About 44ha of land – the size of more than 60 football fields – will be reclaimed as part of the expansion of Woodlands Checkpoint.

JTC Corporation and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said about 34ha of land will be reclaimed on the western side of the causeway and 10ha on the eastern side, reported The Straits Times.

Environmental impact

The reclaimed area is smaller than what was initially studied, to minimise the impact on the environment.

An environmental impact assessment conducted by JTC had studied a total area of 66.6ha, including 36.4ha on the western side and 30.2ha on the eastern end.

JTC sought public feedback for the environmental study report and made the report available for public viewing from Jan. 29 to Feb. 26, subject to a non-disclosure agreement.

The size of the area was eventually reduced to 44ha.

This will also increase the distance between Woodlands Checkpoint and nature parks on the western side, including Mandai Mangrove and Mudflat nature park.

ICA and JTC said that after mitigation measures and careful planning, slight to moderate impact is expected on marine ecology and biodiversity in the area.

The agencies said they will review public feedback before finalising the report and starting the reclamation works. They will also develop an environmental management and monitoring plan with the appointed contractor.

Other moves to mitigate environmental impact include training the main contractor's staff on how to handle encounters with wildlife, and trying to avoid seawall construction activities and marine works in certain areas from September to March, when migratory birds are expected in Singapore.

Reclamation process

Reclamation will tentatively start in the third quarter of 2024.

It is slated to be completed by 2029.

Construction on the western side is estimated to take around five years to complete, and will be conducted in two phases.

Works on the eastern side will take around three years and four months.

The fully developed Woodlands Checkpoint will enhance clearance efficiency for cargo vehicles, cars, motorcycles and buses, and reduce average travel time from the current 60 minutes to 15 minutes during peak periods.

Top photo via Google Maps