HDB to begin Long Island coastal works by year-end

Its first phase will take place in the waters west of Bedok Jetty.

Preparatory works for Long Island, Singapore’s coastal protection project off the East Coast, will begin at the end of the year, according to the Housing & Development Board (HDB)

Its first phase will take place in the waters west of Bedok Jetty, covering about 570 hectares (ha). Works will mainly involve removing seabed obstructions, constructing temporary sand bunds, and carrying out sand infilling. 

It will span around seven kilometres (km) from east to west and up to 1km from north to south, whilst work areas will be at least 130 metres (m) from the shoreline.

The second phase will be carried out east of Bedok Jetty, covering about 155 ha and will start only after major sporting events, including the 2029 Southeast Asian Games.

The works will be carried out by the HDB, which has been appointed as the reclamation agent for the project.

The public will continue to have access to beaches along East Coast Park during the preparatory works. Sea users have been advised to stay clear of marine vessels and cordoned-off work areas.

Meanwhile, the HDB commissioned an Environmental Study for the preparatory works. 

The report is open to the public for four weeks from 30 June. Feedback will be reviewed before mitigation measures are finalised.

An Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan will also be used to track water quality, suspended sediment levels, noise, and dust during the works.

The board said the preparatory work area does not reflect the final land profile of Long Island. Main reclamation works will begin later, after technical studies, mitigation measures and further public engagements are completed.

The project is expected to span several decades. Agencies will start the next phase of public engagement from the end of 2026.