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).

8 February 2025 - A visit by TUCSS to the site as the adit was being mined.
Source: LinkedIn

8 February 2025 - Members of the TUCSS site visit delegation pose for a photo within one of the
completed adits.
Source: LinkedIn

The single machine will be used to bore 4 drives, with the initial drives constructing tunnels connecting the launch shaft to Teck Ghee station, the closer of the 2 stations to the shaft. This section of tunneling works will see the TBM interfacing with the currently under construction North-South Expressway tunnels, adding complexity to the works to be undertaken. Upon completion of the two tunnels, the drives will see the TBM make 2 further runs towards Ang Mo Kio station, which is located slightly further away from the shaft.

Tunneling chart for contract CR116.

March 2025 - Components of the TBM being lowered to the base of the
launch shaft. The many pipes will serve to circulate betonite slurry used
for stabilising the excavation face during tunneling works.
Source: LinkedIn

March 2025 - Assembly of the TBM within the launch shaft's base.
Source: LinkedIn

March 2025 - A view up from the base slab of the 25m deep shaft near the
junction of Ang Mo Kio Avenues 3 and 6.
Source: LinkedIn

Assembly works are expected to take approximately a month to complete, following which the TBM can thereafter be launched for its first drive. We'll do our best to keep you updated on any progress that we're aware of once tunnelling works commence.

This post will also be available on Instagram & Facebook on 18 April 2025.