This morning, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Cross Island Line (CRL) - Punggol Extension (CPE) section. Spanning 7.3km and adding 3 additional stations to the line, the ceremony was officiated by Acting Minister for Transport, Mr. Chee Hong Tat. Also in attendance were grassroots leaders for the various districts in which works will take place - Mr. Teo Chee Hean (Pasir Ris Elias), Ms. Yeo Wan Ling (Punggol East) & Mr. Janil Puthucheary (Punggol Central).
Exhibition panel showing the details of the CRL.
Exhibition panel for Elias station.
Exhibition panel for Riviera station.
Details of the tunnel alignment that will be bored by the large diameter tunnel boring machine.
Exhibition panel for Punggol station.
Several exhibits were held at the event that detailed the contractors responsible for the three civil contracts - P102, P103 & P105. There is no contract P104. All the three stations will feature side platforms due to the construction method chosen for the tunnels - a single large diameter bored tunnel. Akin to the tunnels along contracts CR105, CR110 and CR202 (which will link phases 1 & 2 under the central catchment nature reserve), the majority of the tunnels will be constructed by a large diameter tunnel boring machine (TBM) which has been named Elizabeth.
Cross section of the large diameter bored tunnel.
A model of TBM Elizabeth with the cutterhead in CRL green.
A model of TBM Elizabeth showing the name emblazoned on the front shield.
Besides the model of TBM Elizabeth, also on display were 2 architectural models of Elias and Riviera stations. With the flythrough videos of both Riviera and Punggol stations released recently, we have a fairly good idea of how the stations are structured. However, as no such video has been released for Elias station yet, the model provided a great opportunity to understand the station's structure. We believe that these models will eventually be available for viewing at the CPE Project Information Centre in Punggol once opened.
The architectural model of Elias station on display.
The single bore large diameter tunnel visible on the station's western end.
A cross section view of Elias station. There is a large incidental space in the middle of the station.
A close up of the station cross section.
A view of Elias station Exit 2, outside the former Siglap Secondary School.
The architectural model for Elias station showed an interesting feature - a large incidental space at B2 level which cuts across the station. At this moment, it is not clear what the purpose of the sealed incidental space is. At 40 metres, the station is the deepest of the 3 CPE stations, with platforms located at B4 level.
There was also an architectural model on display for Riviera station.
The model initially looked rather flat and it was difficult to make out the features of the station.
A perspective view of Punggol Central.
An aerial view along Punggol Central.
A cut away shows the station interior from above.
The LRT viaduct was also part of the model.
One of the station exits with cooling tower integrated above, next to the Riviera LRT station.
It was pretty cool that the Riviera model could
expand and collapse to show the station.
With the station model raised, it was easier to see into the station and view its cross section.
A view of half of the Riviera station. The station, like all other CPE stations, will feature side platforms with a central large diameter bored tunnel.
A perspective of the CRL train raised next to the LRT viaduct.
Another view of the station exit next to the Riviera LRT station.
The Riviera station will feature 3 levels, with the platforms being located at B3. The station will have 4 exits, with 2 each located along Punggol Central and Punggol East roads. Tap out transfers will allow commuters to switch between the MRT and LRT systems. Being built under contract P103, the contract will also include the construction of tunnels stretching from Elias up to Punggol stations forming the majority of the CPE.
Guests attending the event, mingling & viewing the exhibits.
The exhibition panels for the 3 contracts forming the CPE.
Guests assembling after the arrival of the guest of honour.
Acting Minister for Transport giving his opening address.
Distinguished guests ready to launch the CPE works.
The groundbreaking ceremony began with the arrival of the guest of honour, Acting Minister for Transport, Mr. Chee Hong Tat. A performance by Punggol Secondary School's choir of the song The Road Ahead followed. Mr. Chee subsequently addressed the attendees, making his opening speech. Although interrupted once by jet fighters soaring overhead after taking off from Paya Lebar Air Base, Mr. Chee reiterated of the conveniences that the CPE would bring to residents living the area. For instance, the students of Punggol Secondary School would find it easier to move about to various parts of the island with the CRL now coming to their town. Other parts of the groundbreaking ceremony included the official launch of works by distinguished guests, sake barrel breaking and a tour of the exhibits.
We congratulate the LTA, contractors, residents and all commuters for this significant milestone being reached. Although there was no safety pledge signing in this groundbreaking ceremony, we wish all involves a safe project completion and look forward to the future opening of the line.
There is going to be a cripple siding between Rivera and Elias Stations.
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