Singapore Enhances Road Safety with AI for Pothole Detection

Singapore is leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced video analytics to enhance road safety by detecting defects such as potholes more efficiently. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced that a new system, operational since June 2023 in the southwest region, employs a camera mounted on vehicles to scan roads for various issues, including cracks, damaged pavements, and blurry convex mirrors.

The system, known as the Road Maintenance Management System, utilizes AI technology to identify defects and pinpoint their locations on a centralized platform. Maintenance teams receive alerts through an application, enabling them to respond swiftly. While currently piloted in the west, the underlying AI technology has been in use throughout Singapore since 2023. Instead of a specialized camera, inspection vehicles are equipped with smartphones featuring high-definition cameras. The footage captured is processed later to identify defects, though this method is slower, as rectification requires generating an AI report before dispatching workers to address the issues.

The AI system boasts an impressive accuracy rate of over 90 percent in detecting potholes. Previously, road inspectors manually identified defects by driving slowly along roads, a labor-intensive task that required a team of 32 personnel, including drivers and inspectors. With the transition to AI-based workflows, the team size has been reduced to just 12.

Regular Inspections and Maintenance Strategy

The LTA conducts regular inspections and maintenance across Singapore’s extensive road network. Preventive measures include resurfacing and rehabilitation. Expressways are inspected weekly, major roads every two weeks, and minor roads every eight weeks. Under the resurfacing program, expressways are typically resurfaced every seven to ten years, major roads every ten to fifteen years, and minor roads every fifteen to twenty-five years. This proactive maintenance strategy has significantly improved road quality and reduced costs over time.

In terms of pothole statistics, there has been a marked decrease in the number detected, dropping from 4,517 in 2022 to 3,013 in 2024—a reduction of 33 percent. As of September 2023, 1,887 potholes have been recorded. The LTA emphasizes that preventive maintenance not only enhances road conditions but also proves to be more cost-efficient in the long run, minimizing the need for extensive intervention.

Addressing Road Surface Concerns

The condition of Singapore’s roads gained attention following the appearance of a large sinkhole on Tanjong Katong Road South on July 26, 2023. Investigations into this incident are expected to take several months. The LTA clarified that while potholes represent surface-level deteriorations manageable through routine maintenance, sinkholes are severe structural issues originating deep underground. These can result from various factors, including underground excavation work, natural erosion processes, and damaged water or sewer pipes.

Grouting, a technique used to stabilize structures by filling gaps, is essential for addressing sinkholes. According to the LTA, “unlike potholes, sinkholes require in-depth investigation and extensive engineering intervention due to their scale and complexity.” Nonetheless, emerging issues that may affect road surfaces can be detected through AI inspections, which can identify signs such as road depressions that warrant further investigation.

By integrating advanced technologies like AI, Singapore aims to maintain its reputation for high-quality road infrastructure and enhance overall safety for its residents.