Managing construction fatigue key to keeping Singapore liveable during growth

As Singapore pursues ambitious infrastructure upgrades to support future growth, experts warn that the city must not sacrifice liveability during the construction phase itself. The ongoing North-South Corridor project exemplifies the challenge facing urban planners: how to minimise commuter fatigue while essential transportation networks are being expanded.

Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design argue that construction disruptions—from traffic congestion to noise and delays—require more sophisticated management strategies than currently deployed. A truly liveable city, they contend, must remain liveable throughout its transformation, not merely after completion.

Effective mitigation measures could include enhanced public communication about project timelines, improved alternative transportation options during construction phases, and coordinated scheduling to minimise overlapping disruptions across multiple projects. These approaches demand closer collaboration between contractors, transport authorities, and urban planners to prioritise commuter experience alongside project timelines.

As Singapore continues to develop its infrastructure to accommodate population growth and economic needs, the challenge of maintaining urban liveability during construction will only intensify. Addressing commuter fatigue proactively—rather than accepting it as an inevitable cost of progress—may prove essential to sustaining public support for necessary long-term development.