Residents whose homes are assessed to be severely affected by the noise can borrow large sound-insulating blankets for their homes.
Each “noise blanket” measures 2m by 1m and can reduce noise levels by about 15 to 17 decibels, according to Punggol GRC MP Sun Xueling.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will help residents install and remove the blankets, without any drilling required.
There is, however, one obvious trade-off. As the blankets are thick and placed over windows, they also block natural light and airflow.
Noisy Underground Wall Works to Continue Until End-2026
The measures are being offered to residents affected by construction beside Block 308A Punggol Walk, near Waterway Terraces I.
Workers are building a diaphragm wall, an underground structure that holds back the surrounding soil and helps protect nearby roads and buildings while excavation takes place.
According to The Straits Times, the wall works began in the second quarter of 2026 and are expected to continue until the end of the year.
LTA told ST that it assesses the potential noise impact before construction projects begin and introduces measures such as barriers around worksites and inflatable sound barriers around machinery.
Residents whose units are assessed to be severely affected may also receive temporary assistance, including the noise blankets.
Most Residents Interviewed Said Noise Was Bearable
The noise has affected residents differently.
One resident interviewed by ST said the drilling and machinery had disturbed his family and made it difficult for his university-going daughter to study at home.
However, six of the eight Waterway Terraces I residents interviewed by the newspaper on 13 August said the noise was bearable.
Some were also reluctant to use the blankets because of their appearance or because they would have to remove them whenever they wanted fresh air or a view from the window.
Residents who do not want a blanket can collect free noise-cancelling earbuds from the Waterway Residents’ Network, Ms Sun said in a Facebook post on 10 August.
Punggol Extension Expected to Open in 2032
The construction is part of the 7.3km Cross Island Line-Punggol Extension.
The fully underground extension will have four stations: Punggol, Riviera, Elias and Pasir Ris. Three will be interchange stations connecting passengers to the North East Line, Punggol LRT and East-West Line.
LTA expects passenger service to begin by 2032.
When the extension opens, a journey from Punggol to Pasir Ris is expected to take around 15 minutes, compared with about 40 minutes by bus.
