T305 - Katong Park update February 2024

 

11 February 2024 - Station signage on display outside Exit 1.

11 February 2024 - Station signage above the barrier-free access ramp at Exit 2.

Katong Park station, constructed under contract T305, is a stacked station with 3 basement levels. The upper platform level is combined with the station concourse and features 3 skylights that let natural sunlight shine into the station, all the way to the lower platform level. Above the concourse cum upper platform level is a mezzanine subway level that connects Exit 2 with the station. The station was the first to receive its station signage along phase 4 of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL), ahead of any of the neighbouring stations. Construction under the contract also called for the construction of bored tunnels starting at the launch shaft adjacent to the contract T303 worksite near the Singapore Swimming Club and ended at Tanjong Katong station. These tunnels were bored right through Katong Park's station box before being dismantled as excavation proceeded further downwards.

Katong Park & station skylights
The station now stands completed, with restoration works to the portions of Katong Park that were previously hoarded off for the construction of the station. It is this setting which allows the station to utilise skylights in a double-use manner by sectioning off the park from the Meyer Road thoroughfare and yet allowing natural light into the station below. The pedestrian pathways have been completed, though not fully opened as at the time of visit. Nonetheless, the pathway along Meyer Road now comes equipped with an active mobility lane marked in red as well.

11 February 2024 - A view of the station from across the junction.

11 February 2024 - One of the ancillary buildings for the station that houses ventilation equipment.
It also allows emergency egress from the station structure.

11 February 2024 - Completed path next to Katong Park with active mobility lane now included.

11 February 2024 - Pathways behind the station structure that seamlessly takes pedestrians into
Katong Park.

11 February 2024 - Stairways between the skylights allow access to and from the Meyer Road
thoroughfare.

11 February 2024 - A view of the station skylights abutting Katong Park.

11 February 2024 - The pick-up/drop off structure along Meyer Road.

Exit 1
The main exit for the station, Exit 1 is seamlessly integrated with Katong Park. From the exit, it is possible to stroll to the park without having to navigating any level changes by descending ramps or stairs. A pathway leads from near the lift landing to the park right outside the exit. The station's lighting and signages have been installed.

11 February 2024 - Exit 1 is built with a higher elevation, similar to the exits at Maxwell station.
This allows passengers to exit directly to Katong Park.

11 February 2024 - The park is right at the doorstep of the station's exit.

11 February 2024 - Due to the elevation required to seamlessly integrate the station with the park,
there are a fair number of steps to navigate upon entry via Exit 1.

11 February 2024 - The numerous signs that adorn the entrance of Exit 1.

11 February 2024 - Bicycle parking is provided at Exit 1.

11 February 2024 - A view of Exit 1 from across Meyer Road.

Exit 2
This station exit sits at the corner of Tanjong Rhu & Fort Roads. The small structure also has its signage up and even features the first few station location maps to be installed along TEL4. While mostly complete, the planter boxes at the exit still remain devoid of landscaping.

11 February 2024 - A view of Exit 2 from across Fort Road.

11 February 2024 - Station signage and maps are already available at the exit.

11 February 2024

11 February 2024 - Planter boxes remain empty for now.

11 February 2024 - A view of Exit 2 along Fort Road.

11 February 2024 - A view of the station map, again the first TEL4 station to receive the amenity.

All that is really left is to declare an opening day and for the operator to have an open house day to stress test the system before it opens. Also, each day is now a day that much closer to it happening.

This post will also be available on Instagram & Facebook on 6 March 2024.