Government to Acquire Nine Marsiling Blocks to Ease Traffic and Enhance Security
SINGAPORE: The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has announced plans to expand the Woodlands Checkpoint, a move designed to alleviate traffic congestion, improve travel times, and enhance security at the land border crossing between Singapore and Malaysia. The expansion will involve the acquisition of several nearby Housing and Development Board (HDB) blocks, specifically Blocks 210 to 218 at Marsiling Lane and Marsiling Crescent.
The acquisition will affect a total of nine blocks, including 732 sold flats, 53 rental flats, and several rental shops and kiosks. While the timeline for the acquisition was not specified, authorities assured that it will be carried out progressively to minimise disruption to residents.
Rehousing Benefits for Affected Residents
Homeowners of the affected flats will receive rehousing benefits, similar to those provided under the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS). These benefits include compensation based on the market value of their flat at the time of acquisition, the option to purchase a new flat with a fresh 99-year lease at subsidised rates, and financial support for moving costs, such as a removal allowance and assistance with stamp and legal fees.
For rental flat tenants, as well as tenants of rental shops, kiosks, or eating houses, rehousing and clearance benefits will also be provided. Tenants will be entitled to a rehousing allowance of S$2,500 and priority access to newly available flats in a new precinct at Woodlands Street 13.
Construction of Replacement Flats
HDB will begin building approximately 1,100 replacement flats at Woodlands Street 13 in the third quarter of 2023. These flats, expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2027, will feature modern designs and fittings. Owners of the acquired flats will have the option to purchase these new homes, with the possibility of receiving a SERS grant of up to S$30,000 and eligibility for an HDB housing loan.
In addition, owners and tenants will have the opportunity to select replacement flats near their relatives or neighbours to maintain community ties.
Future Traffic Projections and Infrastructure Upgrades
In response to projected increases in traffic, the ICA is also planning a significant extension of the Woodlands Checkpoint, including infrastructure upgrades to the surrounding road networks. A study is currently underway to design an optimal extension that will accommodate heavy goods vehicles and motorcycles. This will be complemented by an extension of the Bukit Timah Expressway to better manage traffic flow to and from the checkpoint.
ICA’s projections indicate that daily traffic volume at the checkpoint will soon return to pre-pandemic levels, with further increases expected. By 2050, traffic could rise by 40%, resulting in an average of 400,000 daily travellers—100,000 more than pre-pandemic levels in 2019. To accommodate this growth, the ICA will enhance clearance processes, provide holding areas for vehicles, and conduct upfront security checks to “future proof” the checkpoint.
