LTA to temporarily reconfigure traffic at Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 from 14 Nov to May 2028
Temporary changes to the road layout along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 will take effect from 14 Nov 2026 and remain in place for about 18 months.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced on Friday (16 Oct) that the adjustments are needed after unexpected underground obstacles were encountered during tunnelling works for the Cross Island Line (CRL).
The affected stretch is near AMK Hub, where construction is underway for the future Ang Mo Kio CRL station.
Source: Wikipedia
The temporary arrangements are expected to remain in place until May 2028, with LTA introducing measures to manage congestion and help commuters navigate the affected area.
LTA discovers underground obstructions during tunnelling works
In May 2026, unexpected materials were detected during tunnelling works beneath Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, prompting an inspection of the tunnel boring machine (TBM).
Workers subsequently found wire ropes tangled around the machine’s cutterhead, the component responsible for cutting through the ground.
Image courtesy of the Land Transport Authority
They manually removed the wires and replaced the affected cutters before restarting operations.
Between May and July, a total of 100 cutterhead interventions were carried out to remove additional obstructions from the machine.
These involved replacing 22 damaged cutters and extracting approximately 800kg of wire ropes.
Image courtesy of the Land Transport Authority
Ground anchors found beneath Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3
The repeated interventions suggested that the underground obstructions were more extensive than LTA had initially anticipated.
Further checks revealed that the obstructions were ground anchors buried beneath Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3.
These are steel supports installed underground to temporarily stabilise retaining walls and other structures.
Image courtesy of the Land Transport Authority
Such obstacles can damage the TBM’s cutting equipment and interfere with tunnelling operations, potentially endangering construction workers and road users above ground.
In light of these risks, LTA has halted tunnelling while it investigates the extent and source of the obstructions, as well as any possible delays to the CRL construction schedule.
Before tunnelling can restart, the surrounding ground will need to be reinforced to ensure it is stable enough for work to continue.
Once conditions permit, workers will gradually clear the remaining obstacles through the TBM as tunnelling progresses.
Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 to undergo temporary lane changes from 14 Nov
The underground recovery works will also require adjustments to traffic arrangements at street level.
From 14 Nov, part of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 will have a different road layout to accommodate the necessary works while keeping motorists and pedestrians safe.
One of the main changes involves the eastbound stretch between AMK Hub’s pick-up and drop-off point and the Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8 junction, which will be reserved exclusively for buses.
Source: @ltasg on Instagram
Drivers heading west will also have one fewer lane to use, as the existing three-lane carriageway will be reduced to two lanes.
Meanwhile, motorists visiting AMK Hub can expect changes to the entry and exit arrangements at its pick-up and drop-off point.
However, access to the mall’s basement car park and pick-up and drop-off point will remain available, along with the HDB car park serving Blocks 322 and 343.
Pedestrians will also see some changes, including the relocation of an existing pedestrian crossing and the closure of ground-level access to the overhead bridge across Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3.
Source: @ltasg on Instagram
Those wishing to use the bridge can instead access it through Level 2 of AMK Hub during the mall’s operating hours.
Temporary sheltered walkways will also be provided along diverted pedestrian routes where possible.
Drivers entering AMK Hub may face delays of up to 15 minutes
With fewer lanes available, those driving to AMK Hub should be prepared for a slower journey, especially during peak periods.
LTA estimates that motorists entering the mall may spend an extra 10 to 15 minutes on the road during these periods, with longer queues expected.
Drivers hoping to avoid the affected stretch can consider alternative routes to Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, as illustrated in LTA’s diversion maps.
To help motorists find their way, LTA will place electronic message boards and directional signs around the area.
Image courtesy of the Land Transport Authority, for illustration purposes only
Traffic wardens will also be deployed, while notifications about the changes will be sent through vehicle on-board units.
Those travelling through the area are encouraged to factor in possible delays and pay attention to traffic signs along their routes.
Meanwhile, commuters taking public transport will still be able to access the bus stops along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 despite the roadworks.
Barrier-free access will also be maintained along the diverted pedestrian routes, with temporary sheltered walkways provided where possible.
Signs will direct pedestrians towards alternative crossings and access points for the overhead bridge.
LTA said it will continue monitoring traffic conditions once the new arrangements take effect and make further adjustments if needed.
More resources will also be committed to the recovery efforts, with work to be sped up wherever it is safe to do so.
LTA assures public that area will remain safe
LTA reiterated that the safety of residents, pedestrians, motorists, and construction workers remains its top priority.
The temporary traffic arrangements will provide space for further investigations and engineering assessments to be carried out safely before tunnelling resumes.
LTA also assured the public that the area will remain safe to use throughout the works.
It will continue monitoring ground conditions around AMK Hub and the surrounding vicinity, while keeping the public informed of developments as investigations and recovery works progress, adding:
We seek the public’s understanding and patience as these necessary measures are carried out in the interest of public safety.
Also read: LTA announces 4 new stations for Cross Island Line, slated to open by late 2030s
LTA announces 4 new stations for Cross Island Line, slated to open by late 2030s
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Featured image adapted from Wikipedia and courtesy of the Land Transport Authority.