Woodlands Checkpoint set for a major upgrade to address growing traffic demand and improve efficiency
The expansion works for the Woodlands Checkpoint will commence in 2025, with the first phase set to be fully operational by 2032, according to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Once completed, the new facility will be approximately five times larger than the current checkpoint.
The expansion aims to significantly reduce the average travel time for motor vehicles, especially during peak periods, bringing it down from 60 minutes to 15 minutes. To achieve this, the redevelopment will proceed in several phases over the next 10 to 15 years, ensuring continued operations during the works.
In the first phase, a 21-bidirectional cargo lane extension and 78 arrival car lanes will be built, raising cargo clearance capacity by 30% and arrival car clearance by 95%. The lanes can also be converted into arrival motorcycle lanes for better traffic management during peak periods.
Additionally, the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE) will be extended to provide a direct route for vehicles exiting the checkpoint, improving traffic flow and reducing congestion on local roads. The Old Woodlands Town Centre will also undergo development to accommodate the expansion, with works expected to be progressively completed by 2028.
As the checkpoint expansion progresses, further phases will involve clearance facilities on acquired and reclaimed land, and retrofitting of the current checkpoint. The redevelopment is crucial to accommodate the growing number of daily travelers, with the volume expected to reach 400,000 by 2050.
The current volume has already returned to pre-COVID levels, with approximately 300,000 travelers passing through the checkpoint daily, with higher numbers during long weekends and holidays. Without redevelopment, traffic congestion could increase by 60-70% by 2050, making the expansion project critical for future efficiency and security.
