Uneven ground outside Shenton Way MRT station poses no safety risk: LTA, BCA

SINGAPORE – Uneven ground at the entrances of Shenton Way MRT station is likely the result of natural ground settlement and does not pose any structural or safety risk to commuters, said the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Building and Construction Authority (BCA) on May 17.

The Straits Times observed on May 6 that part of the pavement outside the station dipped visibly by at least 5cm. A warning note pasted on a pillar near one entrance read: “Warning! Uneven grounds.”

Responding to queries, LTA said it has been aware of the issue at entrances 1 and 2 of the station since late 2024.

“We have assessed that the station, including the relevant entrances, remains structurally safe for rail operations and passengers,” it added.

LTA said it worked with station operator SMRT to implement safety measures, including the installation of warning signs and temporary caution tape.

It is consulting BCA on a long-term solution, which will involve detailed engineering studies and ground investigations.

In its statement, a BCA spokesperson said the uneven ground is “likely due to natural ground settlement”. The gradual process is common in areas with soft marine clay, such as the Kallang Formation – a geological layer of waterlogged clay, silt and sand that underlies the area and is commonly found in reclaimed or coastal parts of Singapore.

“The affected pavement area rests on underlying soil and is gradually settling along with the soft ground beneath,” the spokesperson added. “The station entrance, which is supported by a deeper foundation system, remains unaffected.”

BCA noted that such settlement generally occurs over time and “does not generally present any sudden or structural safety concerns”.

It is monitoring the situation and working with LTA to carry out rectification measures where necessary.

Shenton Way MRT station in the Central Business District opened in November 2022 as part of the Thomson-East Coast Line.