Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) has awarded a S$748 million contract for the design and construction of Loyang station and tunnels as part of the first phase of the Cross Island Line (CRL1), as well as a section of a vehicular viaduct above the new station, to Woh Hup Pte Ltd - Dongah Geological Engineering Co Ltd Singapore Branch Joint Venture.
The CRL1 Loyang station is an underground station located along the Loyang Avenue, where there are many utilities under the road, explained LTA. Multiple traffic diversions would be required to realign the utilities, so as to facilitate the construction of the station.
LTA further mentioned that the earth retaining and stabilising structure (ERSS) and deep excavation works for the CRL1 Loyang station will be carried out under challenging ground conditions, as the rock is typically weaker at the transition point between the mainly soft Old Alluvium (predominantly soil-like material) and hard Bukit Timah Granite.
Such challenging ground conditions require the use of specially-designed machinery to perform the excavation works safely, said LTA. The Authority, along with the contractor, will monitor the works closely to ensure that they are carried out safely and minimise any inconveniences.
As part of the Changi Northern Corridor transport infrastructure improvements, this contract will also include the construction of a stretch of the Loyang Viaduct located directly above the CRL1 Loyang station. This full vehicular viaduct will be situated along Loyang Avenue between Tampines Expressway and Loyang Way.
According to LTA, vertical noise barriers will be installed on the viaduct to mitigate the impact of traffic noise on residences nearby. Upon completion, residents and motorists in Changi can look forward to increased convenience, shorter travelling times, and improved intra-town and inter-town connectivity.
Construction works for the CRL1 Loyang station are expected to start in the fourth quarter of this year, with passenger service slated to commence in 2030.
Woh Hup Pte Ltd is one of Singapore’s largest privately-owned construction and civil engineering specialists. Established in 1927, the company has undertaken various infrastructure and building projects locally and abroad. In Singapore, Woh Hup is currently involved in the construction of Tanjong Katong and Bayshore stations as well as their tunnels for the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL).
Dongah Geological Engineering Co Ltd Singapore Branch is currently working on the construction of Great World station and tunnels for TEL. The company was also awarded the design and construction of CRL1 Pasir Ris station in April 2021.
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.
CRL1 is 29 km long and comprises 12 stations from Aviation Park to Bright Hill. 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.
Images: LTA
