The Central Expressway (CTE) is the primary north-south highway of Singapore, linking the city center directly to the northern residential hearts of Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, and Serangoon. It is heavily utilized by commuters working in the Central Business District (CBD), making it one of the busiest expressways during peak hours.
Notable for its lengthy tunnels, the Chin Swee and Kampong Java Tunnels, the CTE effectively bypasses the surface traffic of the city, providing a seamless underground link. Its strategic importance lies in its ability to channel high volumes of traffic from the north directly into the PIE and Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE), acting as a central spine for the road network.