Soil Investigation: Punggol Central

26 August 2016 - Borehold along Punggol Central for LTA

As part of the Cross Island Line (CRL), it is understood that a spur line branching from Pasir Ris will run to Punggol station where provisions have been made for a future line to integrate. In the book launched by LTA, titled Getting There: The story of the North East Line, it was noted that a 40 metre by 40 metre box was constructed together with the North East Line station box in anticipation of a future North Shore Line. This station box is most likely to be used on the Punggol spur of the CRL. Getting There: The story of the North East Line can be borrowed from the National Library Board. Do check out our post on Punggol station, its provisions and future modifications for interchange with the CRL.

Excerpt of write up on Punggol station from Getting There: The story of the North East Line

Excerpt of write up on Punggol station from Getting There: The story of the North East Line

Numerous soil investigation boreholes have been noted along Punggol Central which we expect to be the most direct alignment into Punggol from Pasir Ris. In order to expand the network coverage, a station may be located close to Edgefield Plains or Edgedale Plains, rather than at the current location of Riviera LRT station. A number of boreholes were noted along Edgedale Plains especially which may (or may not) represent testing for station entrance locations.

Rough map showing the spread of boreholes for soil investigation.
Yellow circle represent the yellow coloured metal cylinders marking borehole locations.
Grey cylinders represent the grey coloured PVC pipes marking borehole locations.

Yellow coloured metal cylinder marking borehole location.
Along Punggol Central, diagonally opposite Waterway Point.

Details on the above metal cylinder indicating the contract code &
client of the contract. It also indicates the date of the investigation.

Another borehole sighted in the distance next to Punggol station Exit D.

A closer inspection of the above borehole's metal protection cylinder.

Should you happen to see any signs of Soil Investigation along the route of the CRL, do let us know that we can keep tabs on the spread of soil investigation works. Here are some guiding rules that you can take note of to help spot potential Soil Investigation locations related to the CRL.

1. Identify the Soil Investigation rig. These are machines used for soil testing that drill down to get samples for evaluation of rock types. Analysis of the consistency of soil allows engineers to determine the method of construction most suitable for this sector of alignment.

2. Ascertain the project owner. Occasionally, project owners may supply the contractor with equipment that bears their corporate logo. Identifying this helps to eliminate false or erroneous reporting of soil investigation locations as other agencies such as the Public Utilities Board (PUB) do conduct soil investigations as well.

A soil investigation rig with equipment bearing the project owner's logo.

3. If possible, obtain the contract number to reference online. These may provide further clues as to the soil investigation's purpose as LTA does soil investigation for road works as well.

Information on the contract number as well as further details such as locations and project owner.

Do let us know in the comments or drop us an email if you happen to spot any signs of Soil Investigation that may be related to the CRL.