ICA announces plans to quintuple the size of Woodlands Checkpoint by 2032

SINGAPORE: The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore has announced plans for a significant expansion of the Woodlands Checkpoint.

The current checkpoint opened in 1999, has undergone several changes over the years, including the continued use of the Old Woodlands Checkpoint for specific clearance operations to alleviate congestion.

This project, slated to begin in 2025, will expand the checkpoint to five times its current size. The first phase, focusing on extensions at the Old Woodlands Town Centre and Bukit Timah Expressway, is targeted for a progressive completion starting from 2028.

The redevelopment plan involves the eventual demolition and integration of the Old Woodlands Checkpoint with the new extension, anticipated to be fully operational by 2032. The ICA has outlined a multi-phase approach for the expansion, expected to span over 10 to 15 years. This includes land reclamation efforts to be managed by JTC Corporation, a government agency responsible for industrial infrastructure in Singapore.

Sitemap of the Overall WCP Redevelopment Profile – (Not to Scale – For Illustrative Purposes Only)

According to ICA, the expansion will occur without disrupting current operations at the checkpoint. The proposed redevelopment, including the existing facilities, will cover approximately 95 hectares, significantly larger than its current 19 hectares. This expansion aims to accommodate the increasing volume of travellers, with the checkpoint experiencing a return to pre-Covid-19 daily traffic of around 300,000 travellers, which has steadily grown since 2000. The projected daily traveller count is expected to reach 400,000 by 2050.

Land acquisition and reclamation are identified as necessary steps by ICA after conducting feasibility and technical studies to assess future land needs.

In May 2022, ICA announced the acquisition of nine Housing Board blocks in Marsiling Crescent and Lane for the project, offering residents similar benefits to the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme.

However, the specific size of the reclaimed portion has not been detailed.

Reclamation work is tentatively scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2024, with an estimated completion by 2029. The commencement of this work is subject to the finalization of reclamation plans and consideration of feedback on an environmental impact assessment report conducted by JTC. This report aims to evaluate the potential environmental impact of the proposed works, recommending measures to mitigate such impacts.

The ICA has mentioned that no major environmental concerns are expected based on the report’s findings, though these assessments and their outcomes often involve complex considerations and are subject to change based on ongoing environmental monitoring.

In the first phase of its expansion, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is set to construct an extension at the Old Woodlands Town Centre (OWTC). This phase aims to significantly enhance clearance capabilities for cargo vehicles, cars, and motorcycles.

The extension will feature 21 bi-directional cargo lanes and 78 arrival car lanes, designed to boost cargo clearance capacity by 30% and car arrival clearance by 95%. Importantly, the 78 arrival car lanes can be converted into 156 motorcycle lanes, providing ICA with the flexibility to manage peak-period traffic effectively.

Furthermore, the expansion includes a broader aim to improve overall clearance times and integrate more automation into the immigration process. This will involve the introduction of automated in-car immigration systems and the creation of designated vehicle holding areas within the checkpoint, all part of a concerted effort to reduce congestion and streamline border crossing procedures.

The project also includes an extension to the Bukit Timah Expressway to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. The ICA and JTC have stated that the extension will be aligned to minimize the impact on Marsiling Park.

To address potential disturbances to nearby residential areas during construction, the ICA plans to erect noise barriers and provide traffic guidance through signage.