The Cross Island Line (CRL) is a high-capacity Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line under development in Singapore. The eighth MRT line, the CRL will run in the general east-west direction from Changi to Jurong Industrial Estate. Plans for the line were first announced in 2013. Since then, the Land Transport Authority has announced construction plans for the CRL in phases. Recently, LTA announced that the construction works for Defu and Tampines North stations on the upcoming Cross Island Line (CRL) are expected to start in the second quarter of 2022.
LTA Awarded Contract to Two Companies
The contract for the design and construction of the Defu station and tunnels was awarded to Gamuda Berhad and Wai Fong Construction in a joint venture for S$467 million.
The design and construction contract for Tampines North station and tunnels has been awarded to China Communications Construction Company for S$397 million.
China Communications Construction Company is also currently constructing a station along the JRL as well as the Johor Bahru – Singapore Rapid Transit System Link viaduct and tunnels.
Meanwhile, the construction of the Johor Bahru – Singapore Rapid Transit System Link is gaining traction. RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO), a Joint Venture (JV) Company between SMRT Corporation Ltd and Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, has been formed to design, build, and finance the RTS Link project. Commenting on the same SMRT CEO, Neo Kian Hong, said: “Our experience in operating and maintaining state-of-the-art public transport systems, and the capabilities we have built to optimise our systems and processes, offers us a unique advantage when competing overseas. Our International Group is currently involved in the Rapid Transit System Link between Johor and Singapore and is playing an active role in ensuring this important project is being implemented according to plan.”
SMRT CEO further added: “SMRT will also operate and maintain the rail line between Bukit Chagar station in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, and Woodlands North station in Singapore.”
About the New Defu Station
Defu station will be located along Tampines Road between Defu Avenue 1 and Defu Avenue 2. Once the Defu station is fully operational, it will cut the travel time to Pasir Ris East to about 15 minutes. Commuters travelling to Ang Mo Kio Central will save 25 minutes as it will take them only about 15 minutes as compared to 40 minutes now.
About the New Tampines North Station
Tampines North station will be located between Tampines Link and Tampines Avenue 11. If passengers take this new station to reach Ang Mo Kio, it will only take them about 20 minutes while travelling to Loyang Industrial Area will be about 10 minutes.
LTA said: “Excavation works at these two stationswill be challenging as the ground conditions comprise thick and soft layers of marine clay. LTA and the contractors will monitor the works closely to ensure that they are carried out safely and minimise any inconvenience to stakeholders.”
Conclusion
CRL1 is a 29-km long MRT line and comprises 12 stations from Aviation Park to Bright Hill. Once CRL1 starts its passenger services, it will benefit more than 100,000 households in the areas including Loyang, Tampines, Pasir Ris, Defu, Hougang, Serangoon North and Ang Mo Kio.
About the Author
Chloe Tay
Chloe is a lead technical lead at a transportation technology company in Germany. She is an enthusiast of the transportation industry and loves to share her views on new innovations in this industry.
