Headline: Potholes in Tanah Merah Fixed: What You Need to Know for Safer Roads
Recent Pothole Repairs in Tanah Merah
On January 12, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced that they have repaired several potholes along Tanah Merah Coast Road. This action followed heavy rains on January 10 and 11, which caused over 20 new potholes to form. The Safe Cycling Task Force (SCTF) highlighted this issue in a video shared on their Facebook page.
Steven Lim, the president of SCTF, has urged both cyclists and drivers to stay alert while navigating this road. The LTA spokesperson noted that nearly 100 potholes were identified across Singapore as of January 12. This is a significant improvement compared to 776 potholes reported during the same period in 2024.
Understanding How Potholes Form
Potholes are created when cracks develop on the road surface due to everyday wear and tear. These cracks are usually fixed during regular maintenance checks. According to the LTA, when rainwater seeps into these cracks and expands under the weight of vehicles, potholes can form. Prolonged heavy rainfall, like the monsoon surge from January 10 to 13, can worsen the situation.
During this surge, Singapore experienced an average daily rainfall of 120.2mm on January 10. The national water agency, PUB, even issued flood risk alerts for areas such as Jalan Seaview, where water levels rose and canals overflowed. Before this surge, only one pothole on Tanah Merah Coast Road had been reported and repaired on January 9.
Proactive Measures by LTA
To combat the effects of heavy rainfall, the LTA is focusing on resurfacing local roads that experience high traffic. They are committed to monitoring all roads closely for any defects. The public is encouraged to report road issues, including potholes, through the LTA website or by using the Snap & Send feature on the MyTransport.SG app or the OneService app.
Safe Driving Tips Around Potholes
The Automobile Association of Singapore (AAS) warns that potholes can worsen over time due to traffic and rain. Here are some essential tips for motorists:
- Don’t Swerve: Avoid swerving to miss a pothole, as this could lead to loss of control or collisions.
- Slow Down: Reduce your speed and drive steadily over potholes while keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel.
Motorcyclists and cyclists are particularly at risk from potholes. Bernard Tay, president of the AAS, emphasizes the importance of wearing protective gear and riding at lower speeds.
Tragic incidents highlight these risks: in August 2020, a cyclist suffered severe injuries after hitting a pothole, while in September 2021, a 14-year-old cyclist was struck by a car after swerving to avoid one.
Creating Safer Roads Together
This situation underscores the need for better road maintenance and increased safety awareness. By investing in regular inspections and repairs, we can minimize road defects and reduce the risk of accidents. Education campaigns focused on safe driving and responsible road-sharing between motorists and cyclists can also enhance safety for all users.
How can we encourage our community to report road defects promptly? One effective approach could be to streamline the reporting process through a user-friendly mobile app or website, allowing users to easily submit photos and details of road issues.
Additionally, organizing community workshops can raise awareness about the importance of reporting road defects and contribute to overall road safety.
For more information on reporting road issues, visit the LTA website or check out the MyTransport.SG app. Together, we can ensure safer roads for everyone!
Strengthening Road Safety Together in Tanah Merah
By nurturing a culture of proactive communication and community involvement, we can collaboratively enhance road safety and create a secure environment for everyone. Initiatives such as accessible reporting applications and community workshops empower individuals to play an active role in road upkeep and safety awareness.
On January 12, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) reported the successful repair of multiple potholes along Tanah Merah Coast Road, which had emerged after heavy rainfall on January 10 and 11. The Safe Cycling Task Force (SCTF) highlighted these issues, and its president, Steven Lim, urges both cyclists and motorists to stay alert while navigating this road. The LTA has noted a significant decrease in potholes, with nearly 100 identified across Singapore, down from 776 during the same timeframe in 2024. Potholes typically develop from cracks in the road due to regular wear and tear, exacerbated by water infiltration and heavy rains. The LTA is actively resurfacing heavily trafficked roads and encourages the public to report road issues through their website or the MyTransport.SG app. The Automobile Association of Singapore (AAS) advises motorists to avoid swerving around potholes and to reduce speed when approaching them. Motorcyclists and cyclists should wear appropriate gear and maintain lower speeds. This situation underscores the significance of road maintenance and safety awareness, fostering community participation in reporting road defects and engaging in safety workshops.
This initiative presents a chance for community members to actively participate in enhancing road safety. By reporting issues and attending workshops, individuals can contribute to a safer environment for all road users.
