What is the Woodlands Checkpoint?
The Woodlands Checkpoint is a transitional point between Malaysia and Singapore, connecting Johor in Malaysia with Woodlands in Singapore. It consists of a causeway that encompasses both railways and a motorway bridge.
This checkpoint is notably busy and serves as a major border crossing, with buses commonly transporting passengers between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. While booking your bus tickets online, you can verify if your bus will pass through the Woodlands Checkpoint.
Previously, the Woodlands Checkpoint was the only land connection between Malaysia and Singapore until the construction of the Tuas Second Link.
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How many people enter the Woodlands Checkpoint daily?
The Woodlands Checkpoint sees a daily influx of around 242,000 individuals, with approximately 100,000 undergoing immigration clearance at the bus halls.
By 2050, there is an anticipated 40% surge in traveller volume, resulting in a daily average of around 400,000 individuals.
To accommodate this growth, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is expanding the checkpoint to handle larger volumes of travellers. The upgraded checkpoint aims to reduce travel time significantly, decreasing it from one hour to a mere 15 minutes, providing a more efficient and seamless crossing experience.
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What are the redevelopment plans for the Woodlands Checkpoint?
In 2017, ICA and Singapore Land Authority (SLA) announced the construction of an extension for the Woodlands Checkpoint at the Old Woodlands Town Centre (OWTC). The purpose is to alleviate traffic congestion and ensure the checkpoint can handle the projected increase in traffic volume.
As such, the Bukit Timah Expressway will be extended and upgraded to facilitate traffic flow to and from the OWTC extension. Along with that, the local road networks in the immediate vicinity will also undergo improvements.
The redevelopment and extension of Woodlands Checkpoint aim to:
- Improve clearance for all types of vehicular traffic, going beyond the initial plans to enhance clearance capacity for cargo vehicles and motorcycles at the OWTC extension.
- Implement greater automation and flexi-lanes that can be adjusted to clear either cars or motorcycles, significantly reducing travel time by up to four times.
- Provide sufficient holding areas within the checkpoint to contain traffic and minimise spillage onto surrounding roads, reducing congestion.
- Perform security screenings in a separate zone outside the primary sections of the checkpoint to reduce security risks and limit potential harm to nearby structures in case of vehicle-based explosive incidents (IEDs).
