The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has awarded the civil contract for the design and construction of tunnels between Aviation Park station and Changi East Depot under the Cross Island Line Phase 1 (CRL1) to Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co (Singapore) Pte Ltd - LT Sambo Co., Ltd. (Singapore Branch) Joint Venture. The contract is valued at $780 million.

2  Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co (Singapore) Pte Ltd is an established contractor with a strong track record of undertaking infrastructure and building projects in Singapore. The company was previously involved in the construction of Newton station along Downtown Line as well as Buona Vista station along the Circle Line. It is currently involved in the construction of Bayshore station along Thomson-East Coast Line and road tunnels between Sin Ming Avenue and Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 for the North South Corridor (NSC).

3 LT Sambo Co., Ltd. (Singapore Branch) is a specialist in geotechnical and civil engineering. It is currently working on road tunnels between Novena Rise and Toa Payoh Rise for the NSC.

4 Works for the CRL1 tunnels between Aviation Park station and Changi East Depot are expected to start in December this year, with passenger service for the line slated to commence in 2030.

Engineering highlights:

5 The 6 kilometres long tunnels will be constructed under Aviation Park Road at an approximate depth of 20 metres below ground level. At their deepest, the tunnels are expected to be around 40 metres deep, compared to other stations which are typically around 30 metres deep. The ground conditions in this area are expected to be challenging as they comprise thick layers of underlying soft marine clay and extensive works will have to be carried out to strengthen the soil condition to ensure that construction works proceed safely. The works will be carried out under strict compliance to regulations including aviation height restrictions given its proximity to the Changi Airport compound. LTA and the contractor will monitor the works closely to ensure that they are carried out safely and take measures to minimise any inconvenience.

About the CRL project:

 The CRL is Singapore’s eighth MRT line. It will serve existing and future developments in the eastern, north-eastern and western corridors, linking major hubs such as Jurong Lake District, Punggol Digital District and Changi region. The CRL will have almost half of its stations as interchanges with other rail lines, making it easier and more convenient for commuters to travel across the rail network.

7 CRL1 is 29 kilometres long and comprises 12 stations from Aviation Park to Bright Hill^[1]. This will serve residential and industrial areas in Loyang, Tampines, Pasir Ris, Defu, Hougang, Serangoon North and Ang Mo Kio and benefit more than 100,000 households. With CRL1, common recreational spaces such as Changi Beach Park and Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park will be more accessible by public transport. Studies on the details of subsequent CRL phases are ongoing.

https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2021/12/news-releases/civil-contract-for-the-design-and-construction-of-tunnels-crl1.html

Drawing. LTA CRL1 Aviation Park Station and Changi East Depot plans -  Singapore LTA press release