Our causeway is the world’s busiest!
If you think it qualifies for the world’s busiest border crossing, you are not wrong. Frequent JB-goers or daily cross-border commuters would know how awful the jam can be – sometimes lasting even up to 5 hours. You can always check the One.Motoring platform for the latest traffic updates, but that doesn’t provide much help when you’re time-strapped.
Singapore might finally be doing something to curb the burgeoning traffic across the Causeway.
The two private land acquisitions – Woodlands Point and a defunct cinema, allowed the Government to look into the possibility of upgrading the checkpoint. It’s a move the government has long had in mind, since tightened security measures has also led to an increased with the traffic.
It’s Not Good News For All
The Woodlands Point acquisition marks the start of a bittersweet goodbye for the tenants there. Most of them have been calling it home for over 10 years – but they are surprisingly understanding and receptive towards the idea. The tenants are on the same page with the authorities and agreed that the checkpoint’s traffic has also impacted their businesses. However, some lamented at the idea of the acquisition taking away Woodlands old-school charm.
With the land, which measures up to a dozen football fields, it means that construction can be carried out progressively, without compromising current operations and affecting traffic conditions. A feasibility is ongoing to determine the optimal design of the extension. If all is good, we’ll most likely see a new wing of the Woodlands Checkpoint soon.
What Future Trips To JB Will Be Like
In time to come, a cross-border MRT system will also be linked by a high bridge between Johor and Woodlands, connecting Johor’s Bukit Chagar to both Woodlands North and the upcoming Thomson-East Coast Line – providing direct and easier access across the causeway.
Until all these happens, perhaps we should all exercise patience and deal with the traffic as it is – since now there is actually hope that the traffic will get better.
