{"id":73589,"date":"2024-03-18T18:23:58","date_gmt":"2024-03-18T10:23:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/?p=73589"},"modified":"2024-03-18T18:23:58","modified_gmt":"2024-03-18T10:23:58","slug":"jtc-44ha-land-reclamation-woodlands-checkpoint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/jtc-44ha-land-reclamation-woodlands-checkpoint\/","title":{"rendered":"JTC’s 44ha land reclamation for Woodlands Checkpoint expansion"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Image credit: CC BY-SA 2.0<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In February, we shared the ambitious plans for <\/span>expanding the Woodlands Checkpoint, revealing its intent to grow five times its current size by 2025<\/span><\/a>. Now, what’s on the horizon? Well, JTL has released more details on the initial steps before the expansion measures kick into high gear, and it involves land reclamation.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The expansion plans<\/b><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The <\/span>Woodlands Checkpoint<\/span><\/a>‘s expansion blueprint encompasses reclaiming approximately 44 hectares of land, divvied into 34 hectares on the western flank and 10 hectares on the eastern front.\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

To put it into perspective, that’s akin to adding over 60 football fields.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Moreover, this expansion will ensure a greater buffer zone between the Woodlands Checkpoint and the neighbouring nature reserves, including the Mandai Mangrove and Mudflat Nature Park.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Read more:<\/b> Woodlands Checkpoint expansion to start in 2025 and grow to 5-times its current size<\/span><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Environmental impact<\/b><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

To address environmental concerns, the expansion’s environmental impact underwent rigorous scrutiny, leading to adjustments in the initially proposed areas to mitigate ecological consequences.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

An extensive environmental impact assessment<\/a>, spearheaded by JTC, covered a total expanse of 66.6 hectares, which encompassed 36.4 hectares on the western end and 30.2 hectares on the eastern periphery.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

JTC actively sought public input for the environmental study report, making it accessible for public perusal from January 29 to February 26, albeit subject to a non-disclosure agreement. Eventually, the reclaimed area was scaled down to 44 hectares.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Read more:<\/b> ‘Long Island’ project set to expand East Coast by 800ha<\/span><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Woodlands Checkpoint land reclamation timeline<\/b><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\"woodlands<\/a>
Image credit: Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n

The slated commencement for reclamation efforts is the third quarter of 2024, with an anticipated completion by 2029.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The delineation of timelines differs between the western and eastern sections.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Read more:<\/b> 9 HDB blocks in Woodlands to be acquired to make way for Woodlands Checkpoint expansion<\/span><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Phased redevelopment<\/b><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Woodlands Checkpoint’s redevelopment will unfold in several phases over 10 to 15 years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The initial phase, featuring extensions at the Old Woodlands Town Centre and the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE), aims for progressive completion starting from 2028, culminating in full operationalization by 2032.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Checkpoint improvements<\/b><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The revamped checkpoint sets its sights on a substantial reduction in average clearance time during peak periods, aiming to slash it from an hour to a mere 15 minutes. This enhancement is designed to cater to all vehicle types, fostering operational efficiency.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Transportation improvements<\/b><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Moreover, the Bukit Timah Expressway extension seeks to alleviate congestion, particularly during peak hours, with minimal impact on adjacent natural landscapes. This extension also anticipates upgrading surrounding road networks to enhance traffic flow.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n