Introduction

In a worrying start to the year, Singapore experienced the emergence of nearly 100 potholes, primarily concentrated in areas affected by heavy rainfall from a recent monsoon surge.

Repairs Completed

As of Sunday, January 12, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) confirmed that repairs have successfully been completed along the Tanah Merah Coast Road, which saw several damaged sections reported.

Swift Response from Authorities

The authorities were swift to respond after being alerted to multiple pothole sightings on January 10 and 11. Initially, temporary patches were applied, followed by permanent repairs, all concluded by this past Sunday, marking a proactive approach to road maintenance during an unusually wet spell.

Monsoon Surge Impact

The Meteorological Service Singapore characterized this monsoon surge as "one of the longer and more intense surge events in recent years," which not only caused widespread precipitation but also brought along thunder on occasion.

Significant Rainfall Recorded

The surge, commencing on January 10 and gradually dissipating by the following week, produced significant rainfall ranging from an average of 44.4mm to a staggering 120.2mm daily across Singapore. The peak rainfall was noted on January 10, with an alarming average of 120.2mm.

Regions Affected

The northern and eastern regions bore the brunt of this deluge, exacerbating existing road issues.

LTA's Explanation

LTA explained that potholes typically originate from cracks in the road surface due to normal wear and tear. When water seeps into these cracks, the stress from vehicular traffic widens them, leading to potholes—an issue intensified by prolonged heavy rains.

Inspection Prior to Reports

It's also worth noting that the affected section of Tanah Merah Coast Road was inspected just two days prior to the reports, with only one pothole found and promptly fixed.

Enhanced Maintenance Strategies

To mitigate the risks of pothole formation due to increased rainfall, the LTA has enhanced its maintenance strategies by prioritizing the resurfacing of roads particularly frequented by heavy vehicles.

Decline in Pothole Reports

Encouragingly, the total number of potholes reported in Singapore has decreased significantly in recent years, with figures dropping from 9,702 in 2021 to 3,013 in 2024.

Community Involvement

Residents are urged to take an active role in road safety by reporting any detected defects, including potholes. This can be done easily through the "Snap & Send" function on the MyTransport.SG app or via the OneService app, ensuring that road conditions are improved for all.

Conclusion

With ongoing commitment from authorities and community vigilance, residents can look forward to safer roads amid changing weather patterns.