LTA begins construction on Cross Island Line Phase 2

It is set to be completed by 2032.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has started civil construction for Phase 2 of the Cross Island Line (CRL2).

CRL2 will extend the current 29km Phase 1 by another 15km westward and include six underground stations. Amongst them, CRL King Albert Park and CRL Clementi will serve as interchange stations, connecting commuters to the Downtown Line (DTL) and East-West Line (EWL), respectively.

Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow officiated the groundbreaking ceremony at the future CRL Clementi station.

LTA expects CRL2 to significantly improve connectivity in the western region. A trip from West Coast to Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park, for example, will be cut from over an hour to 30 minutes.

Once fully operational, the CRL will be Singapore’s second orbital MRT line, designed to connect with all radial lines. Nearly half of its stations will be interchanges, enabling more route options and enhancing network resilience, especially during maintenance or service disruptions.

CRL King Albert Park will be the deepest MRT station in Singapore at 50 metres, surpassing Pasir Ris (47m) and Bencoolen (43m).

Moreover, modification works at Clementi (EWL) and King Albert Park (DTL) stations will create seamless CRL transfers. These will be done in phases to reduce disruption.

A 5km tunnel through the Central Catchment Nature Reserve will be built using a single-pass large-diameter tunnel boring machine (LDTBM), improving efficiency.

CRL2 will also use low-carbon concrete and steel. Electric construction equipment will reduce emissions. The CRL Changi East Depot will be equipped with solar panels.

CRL2 passes through areas like Eng Neo Avenue Forest, Maju Forest, and Clementi Forest. Since 2013, LTA has worked with nature groups to minimise environmental impact. Adjustments include reducing the Windsor Nature Park worksite by over half and building animal crossings.

Prior to construction, comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) were conducted, followed by the implementation of an Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan (EMMP). Measures include installing opaque screens to prevent bird collisions, creating fauna barriers, and setting up a new freshwater marsh at the King Albert Park site to preserve local habitats.

A Biodiversity Training Centre has also been set up at Fairways Drive to train workers in wildlife awareness.

LTA will continue working with nature groups through construction and operations.

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