If you’re heading to Johor Bahru (JB) this Chinese New Year, you’re definitely not alone. Welcome to the club for all motorists who will be utilizing the Causeway and the 2nd Link. Like Sun Tzu heading to war, it’s best to enter JB with a solid strategy…by arming yourself with these.
We’re referring to these amazing traffic jam forecasts we’ve uncovered! This way, you’ll be able to plan your entry into JB with maximum efficiency.
Be assured that this forecast is pretty accurate, as the reference data is based on the traffic statistics in Chinese New Year 2016.
2 days before Chinese New Year – 26 January 2017 (Thursday)
As the eve of Chinese New Year is on 27 January 2017 (Friday), most Malaysians tend to return home the day before, which is 26 January 2017. This explains the spike in the traffic from Singapore to JB at both the Causeway and the 2nd Link, which will start to build up from 2 pm onwards. It’s best to be a bit more kiasu (aka wiser) and set off earlier if you can.
Eve of Chinese New Year – 27 January 2017 (Friday)
On Chinese New Year’s eve, set your alarm clock to ring even earlier. As you can see from the graphs, traffic flowing into JB will build up as early as 4am. However, it’s possible that traffic may ease before evening as most people would already be at their reunion dinners.
Chinese New Year – 28, 29 January 2017 (Saturday, Sunday)
In the mornings of the 1st and 2nd day of Chinese New Year, we can expect traffic to be at a low volume. However, the trends show that traffic will start increasing around noon at both sides of the border, probably due to Malaysians visiting Singapore or PRs returning home early.
Last day of the Chinese New Year Holiday – 30 January 2017 (Monday)
On the last day of the holiday, it is expected that many will be returning to Singapore in preparation for work the next day. It appears that the 2nd Link will be more affected as most of the people travelling back from the North of Malaysia will choose this route. In this case, it’s best to take the Causeway!
One day after the Chinese New Year Holiday – 31 January 2017 (Tuesday)
Given that it’s a work day, most people would already have arrived home the day before (30 January 2017). However, it’s not uncommon for some to take a day off or two. As such, do note that there may be more traffic heading into Singapore after lunch hour, especially on the 2nd Link.
We hope that these forecasts do come in handy. Share this information with your friends and loved ones so they can enter JB or Singapore quickly and with ease.
Everyone gets frustrated in a jam, but don’t forget that safety is paramount. Drive safely!
Information credit and for real-time traffic forecasts at the Causeway and 2nd Link: causewayjam.wordpress.com
Header image credits: HD Wallpaper
Also, read Savvy Local’s Guide: Fill Your Calendar To 15 Jan With These Must-Not-Miss Events!
