After in-depth studies of both alignment options, the Government has decided to adopt direct alignment for the stretch of the Cross Island Line in the vicinity of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR). In reaching this decision, the Government has considered various factors, including the concerns expressed by all stakeholders and the findings of the comprehensive two-phased Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The reports for the two EIA phases were shared with the public in 2016 and 2019 respectively.
Nature Groups, a key stakeholder LTA engaged and sought valuable inputs from throughout the planning process, have also shared their collective response to EIA Phase 2.
Alignment Options for CRL - To allow an informed decision on the alignment for the stretch of the Cross Island Line in the vicinity of CCNR to be made by the government, LTA had appointed an internationally-acclaimed consultant to conduct a comprehensive two-phased EIA and involving multiple stakeholders including the nature groups, heritage groups, residents and grassroots leaders.
read more
Cross Island MRT Line to run under nature reserve: 4 reasons behind the decision
The upcoming Cross Island MRT Line that will stretch from Changi to Jurong Industrial Estate will run under the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR).
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) had previously considered two options - the direct alignment option to build the line under the nature reserve, or the skirting option, to build the line around the nature reserve.
Here are four reasons behind the decision:
- Reduces commuting time by six minutes
- Reduces public transport fares by 15 per cent on the direct route
- Lowers construction cost by about $2 billion
- Lower energy consumption
read more
6 years in the making: How the Cross Island Line's direct route was decided
Proposed alignment options for Singapore's Cross Island Line
More than six years after it was first announced, a key decision on which route Singapore's longest MRT line will take has finally been decided.
The Government on Wednesday (Dec 4) announced the Cross Island Line (CRL) will take a direct route under the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR) - after years of debate and consultation - instead of an alternative route skirting around the reserve.
Nature groups and environmentalists had raised concerns that the direct route could have an impact on Singapore's wildlife and nature, but on Wednesday the authorities said it had chosen it after in-depth studies.
read more
Cross Island MRT Line to run 70m directly under Central Catchment Nature Reserve
The Cross Island Line (CRL) will be built under the direct alignment option running 70 metres under the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR) to minimise its environmental impact.
In a media release on Wednesday (4 December), the Ministry of Transport (MOT) said that the option for the CRL was chosen following a comprehensive two-phase Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and discussions with various stakeholders.
Transport authorities had considered the skirting alignment option for the CRL. At 70 metres below ground level - compared with the typical 20 to 30 metres underground - the depth of the two kilometres stretch of the direct alignment route is equivalent to the height of a 25-storey HDB block, making it the deepest rail tunnel in Singapore. In comparison, the skirting alignment option would require a depth of 45 metres.
read more
Gov decides on direct alignment, running 70m under nature reserve instead of skirting it
The Cross Island Line will run directly under the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, with the authorities deciding that it is more beneficial to Singaporeans than the other option of having the line skirt around the reserve. The decision was made after six years of public engagement including with nature groups.
Advanced engineering studies on the direct alignment option will begin next year, before the Land Transport Authority (LTA) makes the next move, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) said. Advanced engineering studies typically take up to two years.
Announcing the Government’s decision on Wednesday (Dec 4), MOT said that it had considered various factors, including “concerns expressed by all stakeholders” and the findings of an assessment on the environmental impact of construction activities. The direct option will benefit Singaporeans in reducing commutes by about six minutes compared with the skirting option, the ministry added.
read more
Deep tunnelling works for Cross Island Line will be tough but environment should still be priority: Experts
Building the Cross Island Line tunnel 70m below ground — the height of a 25-storey public housing block — comes with added challenges such as higher pressure from the soil, increased construction costs and a higher risk to worker safety, experts said.
Though the deeper dig will not be easy, experts believe that Singapore has the skills and experience with previous underground projects to pull off this engineering feat, they added.
They added that it is imperative that engineers of the project maintain environmental considerations as a top priority, by carrying out construction work in a sensitive manner and designing stations as sustainably as possible.
read more
related:
Cross Island Line direct route under Central Catchment Nature Reserve
How 2 proposed tunnelling routes for CIL will affect wildlife, housing areas
First phase of Cross Island Line to be completed by 2029
CRL issue highlights need for more debate on environmental decisions
Environment impact can be ‘adequately managed’ for both alignment options
CIL: Nature groups worry move may influence other future projects
Cross Island Line: Upper Thomson residents breathe a sigh of relief
Cross Island Line: Concerns about wildlife linger despite plans to reduce impact
Cross Island Line to run directly under central catchment nature reserve: MOT
Cross Island MRT Line to run directly under Central Catchment Nature Reserve
Starting from Changi, the CRL will pass through Loyang, Pasir Ris, Hougang and Ang Mo Kio before reaching Sin Ming. Continuing westwards, it will serve areas including Bukit Timah, Clementi, and the West Coast before terminating at the Jurong Industrial Estate.
The Government is currently studying two underground alignments in the vicinity of Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR).
read more
