CR116 - TBM assembly begins

 

March 2025 - Assembly of the slurry TBM that will bore tunnels for
the contract has commenced within the launch shaft.
Source: LinkedIn

Recently, we came across images of the slurry Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) for contract CR116 being assembled within the contract's launch shaft. Located near the junction of Ang Mo Kio Avenues 3 and 6, the launch shaft was completed some time back following excavation 25 metres down to the base level. Before TBM assembly could commence, adits were constructed to allow for the machine to be jacked forward to commence tunnel construction. This method is similar to the technique previously employed for several launch sites along the Downtown Line's Stage 3 section, with the use of circular shaped launch shafts near the former Tampines Prison (Prison shaft), Tampines Stadium (Stadium shaft) and Pan Island Expressway exit near Upper Changi Road (PIE shaft).

CR208 - Clementi EWL A&A works for paid transfers

Brochure for contract CR208's Clementi station.

A common hot topic question that has been asked many times has been - will Clementi station feature paid transfers between the East-West Line (EWL) and Cross Island Line (CRL)? The answers are simple and yet complex at the same time. If one were to look at the system map, the interchange symbols at Clementi station indicate an integrated interchange that does not require a tap out transfer, unlike those clearly demarcated at Riviera, Tampines, Newton and Bukit Panjang stations. Now that we've gotten that first clue out of the way, we come to the more complex question - how will the paid transfers be done then?

CR111 - TBM Daphne

 

14 February 2025 - Group photo during the Geotechnical Society of Singapore's visit to contract
CR111's launch shaft with TBM Daphne visible behind.
Source: LinkedIn

Contract CR111 for the construction of Defu station and twin bored tunnels to Hougang station recently saw the launch of its first tunnel boring machine (TBM) last month. The TBM, named Daphne, will bore the westbound tunnel of the Cross Island Line (CRL), the mobile factory assembling tunnel segments along a route of approximately 1.5km.

P105 - Roadshow exhibition for upcoming footpath closures

 

13 March 2025 - A view of the exhibition boards at the roadshow to update commuters on the
upcoming footpath closures in the vicinity.

The contractor for contract P105 - Woh Hup Pte Ltd - recently held a roadshow over two days at the Punggol station to inform commuters of the upcoming footpath closures. Some of these footpath closures will come in tandem with road diversions to be implemented while others will be implemented in line with phased works for the new underground station.

N109A - Completion of Exit 3 subway by RTBM

February 2025
Source: LinkedIn

Tunneling work underneath Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 for the subway connecting Exit 3 with the Teck Ghee station box was recently completed in February 2025. The contract used a Rectangular Tunnel Boring Machine (RTBM) that employed a technique similar to pipe jacking to complete the 50m long subway. This represents a significant milestone in the construction of the Cross Island Line (CRL).

CPE - A snapshot in February 2025

A view of Riviera and Punggol Cross Island Line station sites in February 2025.

Work is well underway for the construction of the Cross Island Line - Punggol Extension (CPE) which will see the line connecting Punggol and Pasir Ris stations via a branch of the Cross Island Line (CRL). Tunneling work for the majority of the alignment will be completed by a large diameter tunnel boring machine (TBM) - named Elizabeth - from a launch shaft just next to Pasir Ris Camp. Two drives will be used, one westwards ending at Punggol and a second eastwards, ending at Elias station. Before the arrival of TBM Elizabeth, ground improvement works were being carried out along Punggol Central. Diaphragm wall construction at the two station within Punggol were also well underway ahead of the TBM's arrival in a few years' time. More details on the works taking place after the jump.

CR112 - Updates on NEL station modifications

28 February 2025 - A view of the NEL station atrium amidst modification works.

As we approach the end of February, works at Hougang's North East Line (NEL) station are beginning to ramp up as it prepares for additional footfall when the Cross Island Line (CRL) connects here. Part of the initial works will see a temporary platform lift being installed to connect the platform and concourse levels. The markings for hoarding along this installation were previously laid out approximately a month ago.