Woodlands Checkpoint traffic still slow at 4pm after two alerts

Woodlands Checkpoint traffic was heavy twice on Saturday, 14 November, for drivers leaving Singapore. Specifically, ICA warned at 10.07am and again at 1.17pm. At 4pm, our check of LTA CCTV showed the bridge still congested and moving slowly. Expect more of the same on 20 and 21 November.

Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) blamed a tailback from Malaysia both times. The alerts came on its social media channels. In both, it advised travellers to expect delays.

Here is what the two alerts said, what the cameras showed and what ICA asks drivers to do. However, ICA did not say what caused the tailback in Malaysia.

Woodlands Checkpoint traffic jams on Saturday

The first alert came at 10.07am. ICA said departure traffic at Woodlands Checkpoint was heavy because of a tailback from Malaysia. It told travellers to check traffic conditions before they set out. It also asked them to follow its Facebook page for updates.

Later, the second alert came at 1.17pm. ICA again said heavy departure traffic was due to a tailback from Malaysia. Many people head across the Causeway on weekends for shopping or to relax. Therefore, a second jam by afternoon hit plans for many.

Meanwhile, traffic camera checks at 1.30pm showed bumper-to-bumper traffic along the Causeway. Some congestion also showed on Woodlands Crossing. By contrast, traffic stayed smooth at Woodlands Flyover.

Overall, the heavy traffic subsided at about 2.45pm. However, our check of LTA CCTV at 4pm showed the bridge still congested and moving slowly. Moreover, neither alert gave a waiting time or named a cause.

How ICA is tackling Woodlands Checkpoint traffic offences

ICA told motorists to follow traffic rules and the instructions of its officers. It also asked them to follow traffic marshals. That matters when lanes are packed. Some drivers then feel tempted to cut in.

During the September school holidays, 27 motorists were caught for various traffic offences at Woodlands Checkpoint. Of these, 16 were referred to the Traffic Police for further action. That is about 59%, by our arithmetic.

Read more: Causeway jam likely worst on Fri 20 and Sat 21 Nov

Read more: Woodlands and Tuas brace for heavy traffic on 6 to 9 November

Read more: More JB–Singapore cross-border taxis from 16 November

Specifically, ICA said offences at the departure lanes included crossing double white lines. They also included illegal right turns and stopping in positions likely to cause danger, obstruction or inconvenience.

Likewise, queue-cutting was also on the list. However, ICA did not say how many people committed each offence. It also did not say what penalties apply. Check the rules before you drive.

Planning around Woodlands Checkpoint traffic next week

Moreover, our earlier report warned that the Causeway jam is likely to be worst on 20 and 21 November. Today’s tailbacks show how fast the queue can build. Leave early if you must travel then.

Meanwhile, rules at the border also change from 1 January 2027. Our report on Singapore border changes explains what drivers and taxis face. So check your plans before you go.

However, the alerts did not say how long drivers waited. They also did not say how long the Malaysian-side tailback lasted. Therefore, ICA asks travellers to check its social media for live updates.

In short, Woodlands Checkpoint traffic was heavy twice on Saturday and still slow at 4pm. Follow ICA’s advice and the officers on site. Expect heavier jams on 20 and 21 November.

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