SINGAPORE – After a harrowing incident involving a metal bar falling onto a road in Jurong West, construction work has resumed on the viaduct for the forthcoming Jurong Region Line (JRL).

The alarming event occurred on the morning of October 3 at around 9:30 AM at the junction of Jurong West Avenue 2 and Jalan Bahar. Fortunately, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) confirmed that no construction activities were taking place at the time, and miraculously, there were no injuries or damage reported.

Eyewitness Account

Footage captured by eyewitnesses and shared on social media platform SG Road Vigilante showcased the metal bar dangerously missing a lorry making the turn at the moment of the fall. This dramatic footage raised concerns about the safety measures in place at the construction site.

Investigation Findings

Upon investigation, the LTA discovered that the pre-tensioning bar, vital for reinforcing concrete during the construction process, fell due to “material fatigue.” This phenomenon occurs when structural elements begin to crack as a result of stress over time, raising questions about the overall safety protocols in construction.

LTA's Response

In a bid to restore public confidence, LTA stated, “Our engineers have checked and verified that the viaduct remains safe.” They also assured that enhanced safety measures have been implemented to prevent future accidents, including comprehensive inspections across all JRL work sites in collaboration with the main contractor, China Railway Construction Corporation.

Looking Forward

With the JRL set to improve connectivity in Singapore, officials emphasized their commitment to maintaining a safe work environment while ensuring the project stays on track. Rest assured, rigorous safety protocols are now at the forefront of the construction process to ensure that such incidents remain a thing of the past.

Stay Tuned

Stay tuned for more updates on the Jurong Region Line as it moves closer to completion!