CRL2 - What's next?

Overview of the stages in the development of a Rapid Transit System.

With works on phase 1 of the Cross Island Line (CRL) mostly under way, the next hotly anticipated development for the line will be the announcement of station locations along the phase 2 section. Join us as we explore some of the key milestones to hit before construction works can commence.

The list of pre-qualified contractors for CRL2 civil contracts.

Earlier this year, pre-qualification (PQ) for civil contracts along stage 2 were held. This is a period where the Land Transport Authority (LTA) receives expressions of interest from contractors that meet the criteria set out for shortlisting. Without being shortlisted, they would not be able to bid for the eventual contract once it is floated for tender. At the end of the CRL2 PQ exercise, a total of 41 companies had submitted their expressions of interest.

We understand that this PQ may exclude contract CR202 which would be for the construction of a large diameter tunnel underneath the central catchment nature reserve as the contract had already been floated for tender. Due to the probable complexity of this section, LTA may have allowed more time for this contract in particular to be floated and awarded.

Details of Contract CR2016 which indicates the delivery date as well.

Another contract has since also been floated as an advanced works contract. The contract - CR2016 - is for utilities and associated works and has a delivery date of 30 December 2024. Prior to construction works commencing, utility diversions will need to be carried out - consisting of detection, relocation and modification to power, water, sewage and telecommunications lines which may cross future work sites. In view of this, construction may only begin close to the end of this contract, approximately in the second half of 2024.

Details for Contract CR202, including the delivery date.

Following the announcement of station locations, one can expect that tenders to be called for the civil works. This may take around a year from the announcement and thereafter, historically speaking, about another year to award which would tie in pretty well with a 2024 works commencement window. All in all, one should expect that phase 2 of the line should be operational approximately in 2033, as the works should be completed by 2032 according to tender details for contract CR202. Till then, our next milestone should be the official announcement of the stations along this phase of the line.