Construction of Cross Island Line Punggol Extension Has Officially Started, 4 MRT Stations To Open By 2032

Artist’s Impression of Pasir Ris MRT station for the Cross Island Line – Punggol Extension. (Image: LTA)

The Punggol Extension of the Cross Island Line (CRL) — comprising four MRT stations over 7.3 kilometres when operational — has officially begun construction works on Tuesday (Oct 10).

Three of the four stations on the CRL Punggol Extension (CPe), namely Pasir Ris, Punggol and Riviera stations, will serve as interchanges with other train lines in Singapore.

Construction for CRL Punggol Extension Begins

Better rail connectivity and greater accessibility with the Cross Island Line

“Acting Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat officiating the ground-breaking ceremony earlier today, which marked the start of construction for the Cross Island Line – Punggol Extension.” (Image: LTA/Facebook)

When CPe opens in 2032, over 40,000 households in Pasir Ris and Punggol will benefit from this extension, said Acting Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat, who officiated the ground-breaking ceremony at the site of the future Riviera CPe station.

The CPe will shorten travel times for more than 70,000 daily journeys between the northeast and eastern regions, and residents can travel between the Punggol and Pasir Ris towns in just 15 minutes, compared to a 40-minute bus ride today.

Artist’s Impression of Riviera MRT station for the Cross Island Line – Punggol Extension. (Image: LTA)

Pasir Ris CPe station will interchange with the East-West Line (EWL), Punggol CPe station to the North East Line (NEL), while Riviera CPe station will link to the Punggol LRT.

“The CPe will become a convenient way for residents and visitors to enjoy the amenities across this entire region, including cherished green spaces like Pasir Ris Park and Coney Island,” said Mr Chee.

SEE ALSO: Cross Island Line To Start Operating From 2030, Construction Work Has Officially Started »

Shorter travelling times with the Cross Island Line

Artist’s Impression of Elias MRT station for the Cross Island Line – Punggol Extension. (Image: LTA)

Commuters can expect the 7.3-kilometre CPe to reduce travelling times from Punggol Central to Pasir Ris from 40 minutes to 15 minutes. LTA also estimated that it would take 20 minutes to travel from Elias to Hougang, from the 40-minute travelling time of today.

“New growth areas such as Punggol Digital District and Changi Aviation Park will also benefit from this direct rail connectivity,” said LTA.

The CPe will connect to the main CRL at Pasir Ris MRT station, and construction works for the 12 stations of the CRL Phase 1 (CRL1), from Aviation Park to Bright Hill stations, commenced in January this year.

LTA is progressively calling tenders for CRL Phase 2 (CRL2), comprising six stations from Turf City to Jurong Lake District.

“Engineering studies are ongoing for the third phase of the CRL,” it added.

RELATED: LTA Announces 6 MRT Stations for Cross Island Line Phase 2, Clementi & King Albert Park Become Interchanges By 2032 »

Innovative technologies & construction methods will be adopted for the Cross Island Line

A large-diameter Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) will be used to construct tunnels near Riviera CPe station. (Image: LTA/Facebook)

Noting that the CPe will be constructed near existing residential and industrial areas, contractors will be adopting innovative technologies and construction methods to minimise inconvenience to stakeholders and “to deliver the project effectively”.

One of which will be the deployment of a large-diameter Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) at an approximate depth of 25 metres below ground to construct a single 4.3-kilometre-long tunnel with two MRT tracks.

In addition, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are some technological tools used to enhance the design and coordination processes, which further optimises the design of CPe stations.

The use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) tools will support design and coordination works by helping designers to “coordinate and deconflict the locations of different services in the complex network of systems around the stations”.

Electric excavators to be used at some worksite sections of the Cross Island Line – Punggol Extension. (Image: SGTrains)

Some worksite sections will use electric excavators and battery power pack generators that emit less noise.

To improve safety and productivity while reducing reliance on manpower, a robotic shotcrete machine will be deployed to construct a mined section of the tunnel.

Customised reinforcement head-bars will also be installed at various sections of Riviera CPe station, where appropriate, to streamline installation and increase productivity.

“LTA and our contractors will monitor the works closely to ensure that they are carried out safely while striving to minimise noise and inconvenience to affected stakeholders.”

Sustainability efforts on the Cross Island Line

Artist’s Impression of Punggol MRT station for the Cross Island Line – Punggol Extension. (Image: LTA)

LTA said all CPe stations will incorporate active energy-saving features, including “solar photovoltaic panels on entrance structures as well as hybrid cooling systems for public areas”.

This hybrid cooling system reduces overall energy consumption by using fans in tandem with air-conditioning (AC) to keep stations comfortable for commuters.

Some station structures will also be using concrete with low carbon content.

“These measures will contribute to a greener and more sustainable land transport network for Singapore.”

Check Out Other Related Posts

Cross Island Line To Start Operating From 2030, Construction Work Has Officially Started

Elias MRT Station of the Cross Island Line To Start Construction in Q2 2023

LTA Awards Contract for Punggol MRT Station of the Cross Island Line, Constructions Begin in 1H 2023

Related Links
Cross Island Line – SGTrains

External Links
Construction Works on the Cross Island Line-Punggol Extension Commences – LTA [Accessed 11 Oct 2023]
Hurray, we’re marking the start of construction for the Cross Island Line – Punggol Extension(#CPe) today! 🎊🚆🏗️ – LTA/Facebook [Accessed 11 Oct 2023]
Opening Remarks by Mr Chee Hong Tat, Acting Minister for Transport, at the Cross Island Line – Punggol Extension Groundbreaking Ceremony – MOT [Accessed 11 Oct 2023]

Images: LTA, LTA/Facebook, LTA, LTA, LTA/Facebook, SGTrains, LTA.
This article first appeared on SGTrains.