CRL3 / CR3018 - The future CRL western depot site?

 

25 July 2026 - A view of the contract CR3018 site.

We previously wrote on contract CR3018 for Earthworks and Associated Works at the former site of the Raffles Country Club in Tuas. In our post, we mentioned that the works may potentially be for site preparation of the Cross Island Line (CRL)'s western depot, given that land zoning in the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)'s masterplans have indicated that the site is zoned for use as transport facilities. Other bus-related infrastructure has not taken up such an extensive land space, which might suggest the use of the plot of land as the CRL's western depot. We take a look at the progress of works, given that the contract number for the site begins with the suffix 'CR', typically used on CRL contracts.

7 June 2025 - A view of the site from a passing East-West Line (EWL) train.

27 May 2026 - A similar view nearly a year later, also seen from an EWL train.

25 July 2026 - The most recent view of the site, seen from an EWL train.

Most of the vegetation on site has since been cleared and most of the buildings within the site demolished. Over time, parts of the high speed test track within the Singapore Rail Test Centre (SRTC) have been unveiled, which will run along the site's northern boundary. Several waterbodies that existed as part of the country club's golf course appear to have since been filled in as well.

7 June 2025 - Another view from a passing EWL train.

5 October 2025 - A similar view (indicated by the trees), later in 2025.

27 May 2026 - A view of the site in mid-2026.

26 July 2026 - The latest view of the site, showing the progress made.

6 May 2025 - One of the service buildings, with a blue roof, present on site.

5 October 2025 - The service building still visible on site. Hoarding can now be seen.

26 July 2026 - The approximate site of the service building, which is no longer visible on site.
Instead, the high speed test track of the SRTC facility can be seen in the background.

26 July 2026 - Another view of the site being cleared, with the high speed test track of the SRTC
visible.

Our original post anticipated that the final phase of the CRL might be announced approximately two years from the post, based on comparisons to similar contracts for earthworks at the site of the Jurong Region Line's Tengah depot. We are now slightly more than 2 years past our initial post, with the locations of the CRL3 stations and depot not yet officially announced. We wonder how long more might we need to remain patient till announcement day.

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