In recent days, almost 100 potholes emerged on roads across Singapore during the first 12 days of 2025, coinciding with continuous rainfall in the region. Despite this surge, the overall count of potholes reported annually has seen a noticeable decline over the years. Notably, several potholes appeared along a segment of Tanah Merah Coast Road, captured in a video by a cyclist on January 11th.
The video, shared on Facebook, revealed more than 20 potholes scattered across three lanes of Tanah Merah Coast Road. These potholes were brimming with water, likely due to the persistent rainfall experienced between January 10th and 13th. Upon notification, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) promptly addressed the issue, repairing the potholes on January 12th.
When LTA inspected the same road segment on January 9th, only one pothole was detected, and immediate remedial action was taken. The LTA spokesperson indicated that the count of nearly 100 potholes documented from January 1st to 12th is notably lower compared to the 776 potholes identified during the corresponding period in 2024.
According to LTA reports, the heavier rainfall experienced during January and February of 2024 led to approximately 60% more potholes compared to the same period of the previous year. These road defects are usually addressed as part of routine inspection, maintenance, and resurfacing works by the LTA. Potholes typically form when water penetrates road cracks and expands due to vehicle passageways, exacerbated by prolonged heavy rainfall.
However, due to enhanced preemptive road maintenance in recent times, the annual count of potholes identified in Singapore has shown a consistent decline since 2021. The figures provided by LTA indicate a reduction in potholes from 9,702 in 2021 to 3,013 in 2024, with intermediate decreases reported in 2022 and 2023.
To prevent further pothole issues, LTA has expedited localized road resurfacing, especially on routes with heavy vehicular traffic. As Singapore is currently in the wet phase of the north-east monsoon, expected to last till the end of January, the chairman of the Singapore Road Safety Council, Bernard Tay, advised motorists to ensure their vehicles are well-maintained.
Tay proposed that drivers equip their cars for rainy conditions by confirming functional wipers and adequate tire traction. Motorists encountering potholes are urged to avoid direct impact and reduce speed to minimize the risk of tire punctures or rim damage. LTA encourages the public to report road defects like potholes via its website or through dedicated functions in mobile apps.
By comprehensively covering this recent surge in potholes and the subsequent responses from authorities and stakeholders, it is clear that ongoing maintenance efforts and public vigilance are crucial in maintaining road safety amidst challenging weather conditions.
