Update on The Redevelopment and Extension of Woodlands Checkpoint

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is redeveloping and extending Woodlands Checkpoint (WCP) in phases over the next 10 to 15 years to provide a long-term solution to the chronic congestion at this land crossing.

 2.               In 2024, the daily traveller volume at WCP increased by 22% to 327,000 from 269,000 in 2023. During the year-end school holidays in 2024, a record 376,000 travellers used the WCP on 20 December 2024. The average daily number of travellers passing through WCP is projected to reach 400,000 by 2050.

Update on Phase 1 Construction

3.               Under Phase 1, ICA will build an extension of WCP at the Old Woodlands Town Centre. Construction works for this phase will commence in the third quarter of 2025. This extension will comprise new automated clearance facilities for cargo vehicles, arriving cars, and arriving motorcycles. The Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE) will be extended to create a direct route for vehicles exiting WCP to access the BKE, to reduce traffic congestion on local roads during peak hours.

4.               Subsequent phases will include building additional clearance facilities and retrofitting the existing WCP.

5.               With the full redevelopment of WCP, ICA will be able to:

a.     Improve clearance efficiency across all modes of conveyance (i.e., cargo vehicles, cars, motorcycles, and buses), reducing average travel time from the current 60 minutes to 15 minutes during peak periods;

b.     Incorporate more automation, such as automated in-car immigration clearance systems, to increase efficiency;

c.     Conduct security checks away from the checkpoint core structure, to mitigate security risks; and

d.     Provide holding areas for traffic within the checkpoint, to reduce congestion at the BKE and along peripheral roads around the checkpoint.

6.               The redeveloped WCP 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.

Acquisition of Private Land

7.               ICA has conducted extensive feasibility and technical studies to determine the optimal amount of land needed to meet future traffic and security demands. To facilitate the redevelopment and extension of WCP, two separate small land parcels (with a total area of approximately 0.79ha) located near the middle of the redevelopment profile, which are owned by the Malaysian Government, will be acquired by the Singapore Government. These two land parcels are vegetated and not used.

8.               The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) has gazetted the acquisition of the two land parcels today. SLA and ICA will work closely with the Malaysian Government through the acquisition process.

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

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY

SINGAPORE LAND AUTHORITY

4 JUNE 2025