Passive Flood Gates Protect MRT Station In Singapore

Client

Land Transportation Authority

Location

Singapore

Installation Date

2013

Product

2 Pedestrian Flood Gates

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The Singapore Land Transport Authority (LTA) partnered with FloodBreak to install 2 passive flood gates at Orchard Underpass MRT, safeguarding against seasonal flash floods without disrupting the daily flow of visitors. These hidden barriers provide seamless, 24/7 flood protection for the underground MRT entryways, integrating architecturally with marble tile to blend inconspicuously into the station’s aesthetic, aligning with Singapore’s commitment to maintaining its renowned cityscape and public spaces.

Background

The Singapore LTA, or Land Transport Authority, is in charge of overseeing and developing innovative methods to improve Singapore’s transportation infrastructure. Singapore is a city of over 5 million inhabitants despite being only square 700km. With that level of population density it is critical that the LTA ensures efficient public transport and ease of movement for citizens and visitors alike.

The LTA, or Land Transport Authority, is in charge of overseeing and developing innovative methods to improve Singapore’s transportation infrastructure. Singapore is a city of over 5 million inhabitants despite being only square 700km. With that level of population density it is critical that the LTA ensures efficient public transport and ease of movement for citizens and visitors alike.

FloodBreak was selected to provide 2 passive flood gates to protect against seasonal flash floods.

The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT )heavy rail travels underground and so the entryways are highly susceptible to flash floods. Singapore experiences seasonal flash floods which often leads to pauses in business, commerce, and an overall disturbance to daily life.

Because FloodBreak passive flood barriers lay hidden underground until activated, the gates are able to provide permanent protection, 24/7,  without impeding the thousands of daily visitors to the station.

The Orchard Underpass MRT is close the center of downtown, making it one of the more popular stations on the island.

Solution

While traditional flood protection methods impede human foot traffic, FloodBreak passive automatic gates do not. Moreover, FloodBreak flood barriers  eliminate the risk caused by human intervention. They will deploy regardless of whether personnel are nearby to deploy active measures.

Another advantage of FloodBreak gates is our ability to architecturally integrate our flood gates to fit the surrounding architectural environment. Not only did the LTA prioritize unobstructed foot traffic but also the ability to provide flood protection with as little perceptible disturbance to as possible.

Results

Singapore is unique in the city’s emphasis on presentation, famous for its parks, gardens, and nature sights all over the island. The LTA, in conjunction with the Singaporean government, places heavy emphasis on preserving this aesthetic.

As such, our pedestrian gates were treated with marble tile to mimic the original MRT floor plan, making them nearly invisible to pedestrians who pass over them.

See all of our work in action.