Motorists planning to drive from Singapore to Malaysia via the Tuas Second Link on 23 July should take note: all three outbound lanes towards Malaysia will be closed from 5am to 2pm for a large-scale emergency drill.
The exercise, organised by the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Committee on the Environment, in collaboration with Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) and Malaysia’s Department of Environment, is meant to test both countries’ readiness to respond to a chemical spill incident.
Multi-Vehicle Chemical Spill Drill to Simulate Real-Life Emergency
According to NEA, the exercise will simulate a serious road accident involving multiple vehicles, including trucks carrying hazardous chemicals. The aim is to evaluate the efficiency of cross-border coordination, emergency response times, and containment procedures in the event of a real-life spill.
To facilitate the operation, the entire Singapore-to-Malaysia carriageway on the Tuas Second Link will be shut off. All vehicles headed toward Malaysia will be rerouted to a lane on the opposite side of the expressway, with traffic marshals on-site to assist.
Alternative Routes Advised to Ease Traffic Congestion
In light of the road closure, the NEA has strongly encouraged motorists to avoid using the Tuas Second Link during the nine-hour window. Travellers are advised to opt for the Woodlands Checkpoint instead, which remains open and unaffected.
The agency also reminded all drivers to plan their journeys in advance, stay updated on traffic advisories, and obey instructions from on-ground personnel to prevent delays or confusion.
This joint exercise comes amid increasing traffic volume between Singapore and Johor, especially on weekends and public holidays. It reflects growing emphasis on environmental safety, hazardous materials handling, and cross-border coordination for crisis situations.
Expect Possible Delays and Travel Disruptions
Although the drill is essential for public safety and emergency preparedness, drivers can expect heavy congestion, especially during the early hours of the morning. Delivery companies, tour operators, and regular commuters are advised to make alternative travel arrangements or reschedule cross-border plans accordingly.
Singapore authorities have assured that once the exercise concludes at 2pm, all lanes will be reopened for normal use.
Stay tuned to real-time traffic updates on your preferred navigation apps, radio channels, or the One Motoring portal for latest advisories during this period.