The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has awarded contracts for the design and construction of two stations under Phase 2 of the Cross Island Line (CRL) project. China Communications Construction Company Limited (Singapore branch) will build the CRL King Albert Park station, while the branch's joint venture with Sinohydro Corporation Limited will take charge of the CRL Clementi station.
Construction work is expected to start in the first quarter of 2024. Valued at approximately $447 million and $514 million respectively, the projects will allow commuters in the eastern, north-eastern, and western corridors to save an estimate of up to 45 minutes of travel time.
The contracted companies have extensive track records of delivering infrastructure construction projects, including ongoing builds. Amongst others, the China Communications Construction Company Limited (Singapore branch) is building the CRL Tampines North station, which was under Phase 1 of the project. The Sinohydro Corporation constructed Napier station on the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) and is now involved in the construction of the CRL Pasir Ris East station.
The two CRL stations in the construction pipeline are situated in busy areas surrounded by residences, schools, and office buildings. Based on assessments of the ground conditions at both sites, earth retaining and stabilising structures will be constructed as a first step of the building process. LTA said in a press release that it will work closely with the contractors to ensure the works are carried out safely and with minimal disruptions to the surroundings.
Additional works will also be carried out at the King Albert Park and Clementi stations to connect the Downtown Line and East-West Line to the new CRL interchanges. For as little impact as possible to residents, students and motorists, traffic and utilities diversions - needed to facilitate the construction works - will be implemented in phases.
CRL Phase 2 was announced in September 2022 and comprises six stations. Apart from King Albert Park and Clementi, the eighth MRT line in Singapore will service Turf City, Maju, West Coast, and Jurong Lake. Passenger service for CRL Phase 2 is targeted to commence in 2032, said LTA.
At present, the authorities are conducting engineering studies for CRL Phase 3 and will release more details after the studies conclude. When completed, the CRL will improve the convenience of transfers across our MRT network. It will also enhance connectivity to major hubs such as Jurong Lake District, Punggol Digital District, and Changi region.
