In response to severe weather conditions earlier this month, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has swiftly repaired several potholes on Tanah Merah Coast Road. These repairs come after Singapore faced significant rainfall during a recent monsoon surge.
Heavy Rainfall Leads to Pothole Formation
The LTA revealed that it received alerts regarding multiple potholes on 10 and 11 January 2024. A temporary fix was executed, and permanent repairs were completed by 12 January. According to their spokesperson, nearly 100 potholes had been detected island-wide, a reduction compared to the 776 counted in the same timeframe last year.
Understanding Pothole Development
- Potholes often develop due to:
- Normal wear and tear on road surfaces.
- Water seeping into cracks, exacerbated by heavy rain.
During this monsoon, rainfall peaked at a staggering 120.2mm on 10 January, marking one of the most intense weather events in recent years.
Safety Tips for Road Users
The Automobile Association of Singapore (AAS) has advised motorists to maintain vigilance:
- Do not swerve to avoid potholes — it could lead to loss of control.
- When encountering a pothole, slow down and coast over it.
- Cyclists and motorcyclists should wear protective gear and ride cautiously.
Previous incidents underscore the dangers, with a tragic case where a cyclist fell after hitting a pothole in August 2020. The AAS stresses that awareness and proper riding practices can prevent accidents.
Proactive Measures by LTA
In light of recurring heavy rains, LTA is prioritising localised road resurfacing on busy routes with a greater concentration of heavy vehicles. They encourage the public to report potholes or other road defects via the MyTransport.SG app or OneService app.
As the weather patterns continue to change, keeping our roads safe remains a shared responsibility. Let’s stay alert and report any road defects to help ensure everyone travels safely.