LTA Confers Contracts for Cross Island Line Phase 2 Interchange Stations
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has recently granted civil contracts for the design and construction of two crucial interchange stations as part of the Cross Island Line (CRL) Phase 2 initiative: King Albert Park and Clementi.
The design and construction of King Albert Park station have been awarded to China Communications Construction Company Limited (Singapore Branch) at an approximate contract value of $447 million.
Meanwhile, the contract for the design and construction of Clementi station, valued at approximately $514 million, has been awarded to China Communications Construction Company Limited (Singapore Branch) in partnership with Sinohydro Corporation Limited (Singapore Branch) under a joint venture agreement.
China Communications Construction Company Limited possesses a robust track record in delivering design-and-build construction services, both locally and abroad. The company is currently engaged in the construction of several notable projects, including the CRL Tampines North station, Jurong Region Line Boon Lay station, Johor Bahru – Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link viaduct and tunnels, and the Jurong East Integrated Transport Hub.
Sinohydro Corporation Limited, too, has been actively involved in numerous local and international infrastructure projects, including the construction of Napier station on the Thomson-East Coast Line and ongoing work on the CRL Pasir Ris East station.
Engineering Highlights
The CRL King Albert Park station is situated along Blackmore Drive, just off Bukit Timah Road, while the CRL Clementi station is located near the junction of Commonwealth Avenue West and Clementi Avenue 4. Both stations occupy bustling areas, surrounded by residential, educational, and commercial properties. To minimize disruptions to residents, students, and motorists, traffic and utility diversions required for construction will be implemented in a phased manner.
The ground conditions at these locations present challenges. To ensure the safety and ground stability of neighboring stakeholders throughout construction, earth-retaining and stabilizing structures will be erected before excavation and station structure construction commence. LTA and the contractors will maintain close monitoring to ensure safe execution of the works, with minimal impact on nearby stakeholders and existing structures.
Additionally, King Albert Park station on the Downtown Line and Clementi station on the East-West Line will undergo alteration and addition works to facilitate seamless transfers and enhance connectivity to the new CRL interchange stations.
Construction activities for the CRL King Albert Park and CRL Clementi stations are anticipated to commence in the first quarter of 2024, with passenger service for CRL Phase 2 set to commence in 2032.
About the CRL
The Cross Island Line marks Singapore’s eighth MRT line and is set to serve existing and future developments in the eastern, north-eastern, and western corridors, connecting major hubs like Jurong Lake District, Punggol Digital District, and the Changi region. Nearly half of all CRL stations will be interchanges with other rail lines, simplifying and enhancing the convenience of commuting across the rail network.
The fully underground CRL will be constructed in three phases. Phase 1, announced in 2019, spans 29 kilometers with 12 stations from Aviation Park to Bright Hill. As of March 2022, all civil contracts for CRL Phase 1 have been awarded, and construction is underway, with completion expected by 2030. CRL Phase 2, unveiled in September 2022, covers approximately 15 kilometers and comprises six stations: Turf City, King Albert Park, Maju, Clementi, West Coast, and Jurong Lake District. Engineering studies for CRL Phase 3 are ongoing, with further details to be disclosed upon their completion.
