Perhaps you have seen the Ulu Pandan Park Connector. A section of it was closed after a Clementi landslide. Let me tell you about the Clementi North Flyover.
The Clementi North Flyover stands as a testament to Singapore’s urban planning. It facilitates smooth traffic flow in the Clementi area. But there is more to this flyover than meets the eye.
In September 2022 a landslide occurred at a BTO construction site in Clementi. This happened near the Clementi NorthArc project. Soil displacement damaged the Ulu Pandan park connector. A passer-by sustained minor injuries. Fortunately they were attended to on site.
The Building and Construction Authority issued a stop-work order. Engineers assessed nearby buildings. They confirmed the structures remained sound. Slope stabilization measures were implemented. Soil movement was closely monitored.
The Housing and Development Board worked with various agencies. These included PUB and NParks. A thorough investigation of the incident was conducted. Recovery actions were initiated promptly.
The slope failure occurred at the edge of the construction site. A retaining wall was being built. This was in preparation for a basketball court and pavilion. Immediate measures were taken to mitigate the impact.
A thin layer of concrete was applied to stabilize the slope. A channel was created to improve water flow. The damaged part of the park connector was reinstated. The slope and retaining walls were reconstructed.
The Ulu Pandan park connector was affected by the landslide. There were concerns about potential flooding. Water could still flow in Sungei Ulu Pandan. Quick response teams were on standby. They were ready to respond to any potential flooding if it rained heavily.
A “fairly long stretch” of the park connectors was closed. This closure extended from Ghim Moh to the Ayer Rajah Expressway. Residents experienced some inconvenience.
Despite the incident HDB saw no reason to delay the collection of keys for the BTO flats. Soil clearing operations widened the canal. The canal was restored to its full surface width. Steel sheet piling works stabilized the slope.
Three sections of the park connector have since reopened. These sections stretch from Clementi Avenue 6 to Clementi Road. They also include Boon Lay Way and Ayer Rajah Expressway to Commonwealth Avenue West flyover. A 550m stretch near the land slip zone remains closed for public safety.
The Clementi North Flyover is more than a structure. It embodies resilience and recovery. It reminds us of the importance of safety and planning. It also highlights Singapore’s commitment to its residents.