Outcome of Investigation into Causes of Collapse of Viaduct Structure at Upper Changi Road East
Ministry of TransportSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the investigation into the 2017 viaduct collapse at Upper Changi Road East, as raised by Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong. Minister Khaw Boon Wan stated that investigations by authorities are complete and charges have been filed, though the matter is currently before the Courts. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has mutually terminated its contract with Or Kim Peow Contractors (Pte) Ltd and will appoint a new contractor for demolition and completion. Project timelines will be reviewed post-award, while LTA continues to enforce workplace safety through site supervisors, monthly inspections, and regular training dialogues. LTA remains committed to ensuring that contractors comply with health and safety requirements through daily oversight and management-level training to prevent future incidents during public works.
Transcript
43 Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport (a) what is the outcome of the investigation by LTA on the causes of the collapse of the viaduct structure linking PIE and TPE at Upper Changi Road East in July 2017; (b) what are the lessons learned; (c) what are LTA's plans for the completion of the viaduct; and (d) whether there will be any new measures to improve (i) construction of highways and other public works and (ii) workplace safety.
Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The investigations by the Ministry of Manpower, the Building and Construction Authority and the Singapore Police Force on the collapse of the viaduct from Tampines Expressway towards Pan Island Expressway (Tuas) and Upper Changi Road East have been completed. The Attorney-General's Chambers has filed charges against various parties. Separately, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has appointed an independent Professional Engineer to investigate the cause of the collapse. This matter is now before the Courts. At this time, it is inappropriate for me to comment on the proceedings.
LTA has reached an agreement with Or Kim Peow Contractors (Pte) Ltd to mutually terminate the contract to construct the viaduct. LTA will engage a new contractor to demolish any structures deemed unsafe, including all the crossheads, and complete the construction of the viaduct. The project timeline and completion date will be reviewed, after the award of the new contract.
LTA will continue to work closely with its contractors to ensure that they comply with workplace safety and health requirements. This includes appointing site supervisors to oversee the daily operations at worksites, and monthly and ad hoc inspections. LTA also organises regular dialogues and workplace safety trainings with the contractors' management and staff.