ECL Construction Blog expansion - Save the date

 

ECL Construction blog is expanding

A happy Saturday to all readers! We are happy to announce that we will be expanding our reach on a new platform that will allow us to provide more bite-sized, visual-driven chunks as a complement to fuller, meatier blog posts. 

Don't worry - We will still be updating the blogs. Our new platform is an extension of the blog, allowing us to provide quicker updates as and when we have information to share - even when the content may not constitute a full blog post. What's more, unlike our blogs, the new platform will go beyond specific lines to encompass updates across all upcoming and existing lines.

Blogs will continue to provide more detailed news, construction and speculative writeups, as and when information on works and/or new sections of the lines become available. 

As always, feel free to alert us of any developments by sharing photos, videos, writeups, and any other content. It is tough for us to be everywhere all at once, so we welcome tip offs, and will credit you for the material if we do put it up. 

We are excited for the upcoming expansion and can't wait for you to journey with us. Stay tuned for the unveiling, and watch this space for further updates!

Changi Airport branch line takeover

With the release of the Land Transport Master Plan for 2040, the Land Transport Authority officially unveiled that the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) will take over the existing Changi Airport branch line of the East West Line (EWL). As part of the take over, conversion works will need to be done to the existing Changi Airport, Expo & Tanah Merah stations to accommodate the TEL rolling stock's differing dimensions. The current rolling stock used on the EWL features 6-car trains with 4-doorways per side. However, the TEL stock features 4-cars with 5-doorways per side. As such, the platform screen doors and gates will require retrofitting in order for the doorways to align properly.

The works will take some time, with the line take over likely coinciding with the on-going works at Tanah Merah station and the Expo-junction with the existing Changi depot and upcoming East Coast integrated depot.

T309 - Siglap progress update

Contract T309 is for the construction of Siglap station only, without any associated tunnels. The station will have 4 exits and will be built as a civil defence shelter. The assigned contractor is a joint venture by John Holland and Zhen Hua. Previously, John Holland successfully delivered the Jalan Besar station on the Downtown Line through another join venture.

30 September 2016 - Ground breaking at contract T309 site
Source: John Holland

T308 - Marine Terrace progress update

Contract T308 is for the construction of Marine Terrace station and tunnels towards Siglap station. The contract was awarded to a joint venture between Ssangyong Engineering & Hyundai Engineering. Both contractors had previously completed stations along the Downtown Line, with Ssangyong completing Little India and Rochor stations while Hyundai delivered MacPherson station.

A 3D cross section of the station showing the exits, supporting infrastructure and functional levels within the 22m deep station.
Source: Realestate.daum.net

A map showing the civil infrastructure to be built under contract T308.
Source: Ssangyong E&C

T307 - Marine Parade progress update

Contract T307 is for the construction & completion of Marine Parade station and associated tunnels. The contract boundaries are located adjacent to contract T306 for Tanjong Katong station to the west and to contract T308 for Marine Terrace station to the east. 

A diagram showing the contract boundaries for contract T307.

The Marine Parade station and a portion of tunnel to the east will be constructed using the cut-and-cover method. The portion of cut-and-cover tunnel will house a cripple siding for the main line and an underground pedestrian network one level above. On either end of the continuous cut-and-cover stretch are 2 launch shafts from which tunneling works will be carried out by 3 tunnel boring machines (TBMs).

A render of exit D along the hoarding of contract T307 site.

URA Draft Master Plan 2019 - Extension to Changi Airport

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) launched the Draft Master Plan 2019 (DMP 2019) last month, providing a view of developments to come across the country. As part of the DMP 2019, improvements to various regions were planned and listed out on the URA website for public viewing. Among these regions is Changi, where the upcoming Terminal 5 of the airport is being developed. As part of the plans outlined, improved rapid transit network coverage is one of the key areas being looked into.

An excerpt from the URA website detailing plans for the Changi region.
Source: URA