ICA to redevelop & extend Woodlands Checkpoint, aims to reduce average peak period travel time from 60 to 15 minutes

Over the next 10 to 15 years, Woodlands Checkpoint will undergo redevelopment and extension in phases.

In a press release by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), this project will provide a "long-term solution to the chronic congestion at this land crossing".

In 2024, the daily traveller volume at Woodlands Checkpoint increased by 22 per cent from 269,000 to 327,000.

During the year-end holidays, a record 376,000 travellers used that land crossing on Dec. 20, 2024.

The average daily travellers passing through Woodlands Checkpoint is projected to reach 400,000 by 2050.

Phase 1 begins in 2025

In the first phase, ICA will build an extension of Woodlands Checkpoint at the Old Woodlands Town Centre.

The new extension will comprise new automated clearance facilities for cargo vehicles, arriving cars and arriving motorcycles.

The Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE) will also be extended to create a direct route for vehicles exiting Woodlands Checkpoint to access the highway, reducing traffic congestion on local roads during peak hours.

Construction for this phase will begin in the third quarter of 2025.

What to expect

Subsequent phases will include building additional clearance facilities and retrofitting the existing Woodlands Checkpoint.

Once Woodlands Checkpoint is fully redeveloped, ICA will be able to:

• Improve clearance efficiency across all modes of conveyance, reducing average travel time from the current 60 minutes to 15 minutes during peak periods.
• Incorporate more automation, like an automated in-car immigration clearance system, to increase efficiency.
• Conduct security checks from the checkpoint core structure to mitigate security risks.
• Provide holding areas for traffic within the checkpoint to reduce congestion at the BKE and along peripheral roads around the checkpoint.

"The redeveloped Woodlands Checkpoint will enhance the immigration clearance experience for travellers crossing the Causeway. ICA will continue to leverage technology and develop innovative solutions to facilitate cross-border travel and trade, while keeping our borders secure," said ICA.

Acquire land

To facilitate the redevelopment and extension of Woodlands Checkpoint, ICA will acquire two separate parcels of land near the middle of the redevelopment profile.

These parcels are vegetated and unused.

The land parcels, which the Malaysian Government owns, will be acquired by the Singapore Government.

The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) has gazetted the acquisition of the two parcels of land.

SLA and ICA will work closely with the Malaysian Government through the acquisition process.

"We will continue our strong partnership with the Malaysian Government to strengthen connectivity and people-to-people links."

Top photos via ICA/Facebook