More than 100 LTA and SMRT contractors and engineers have been working round the clock on the East-West Line track works since regular train service stopped at around 1am on Dec 7. - ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG
SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): Track works on the East-West Line (EWL) are progressing on schedule, and regular train service is expected to resume as planned on Dec 11.
This is barring any unforeseen complications, such as bad weather, and assuming tests on the affected section go well, said Mr Chia Choon Poh, group director of rail (electrical and mechanical) at the Land Transport Authority (LTA).
“About 40 per cent of track works have been completed, including (the) power supply and signalling,” said Mr Chia at a media briefing on Dec 8, the second day of a four-day suspension of regular train service between Tampines and Tanah Merah MRT stations.
“We are glad to share that works are progressing well according to schedule,” he said.
The service suspension, which started on Dec 7, is needed so that tracks from the EWL can be connected to the new East Coast Integrated Depot.
Mr Chia said more than 100 LTA and SMRT contractors and engineers have been working round the clock on eight- and 12-hour shifts since regular train service stopped around 1am on Dec 7.
As at the morning of Dec 8, the old tracks and trackside equipment have been removed and new tracks put in their place.
Mr Chia said eight new track panels have been installed and welded together – these are the tracks that will connect the rail line coming from the new depot to a junction on the EWL.
When The Straits Times visited the site on Dec 8, trackside installation works were under way. These included the installation of the third rail, signalling equipment and power supply equipment.
There were about 80 workers on-site as works were being carried out.
Weather permitting, on Dec 9, the power supply will be switched on and engineers will commence power and signalling testing.
A train will then be launched on the rail for final tests before passenger service starts on Dec 11.
Mr Chia said engineers are making good progress and “pushing a lot” to finish the work as soon as possible.
“But just in case there is an unforeseen heavy downpour or lightning strike, then we will have to stop. This is the part I cannot control,” he said.
The final day of service suspension, Dec 10, has been reserved as a buffer for any additional testing, said Mr Chia, who also thanked passengers for their patience.
Shuttle train and bus services have been put in place for affected passengers during the four days of suspended service.
Shuttle trains will run every five minutes between Tampines and Pasir Ris stations, every eight minutes between Tanah Merah and Expo stations, and every 11 minutes between Expo and Changi Airport.
Other affected passengers can also opt for a shuttle bus service, Shuttle 7, that runs at a frequency of three to five minutes and will stop at Tampines, Simei and Tanah Merah stations.
Fares for the shuttle will be the same as that for an MRT journey along the same stretch.
LTA has said that further track closures will be required in 2025 and 2026 to complete works for the depot, and more details will be provided when they are ready.
In November, LTA and SMRT said the East Coast Integrated Depot is slated to be completed by 2026, with 97 per cent of its structural works already completed.
When operational, the integrated depot will house 220 trains from the Downtown Line, Thomson-East Coast Line and EWL, along with a bus depot that can accommodate more than 500 buses.
Commuters said they are relieved that regular service will likely resume on Dec 11.
Ms Clara Tay, 29, has been going to work using an alternative route, which adds 15 to 20 minutes to her commute.
“I am happy that it will resume on Wednesday so that I can go back to my normal route, which is more convenient,” said Ms Tay, a product manager. - The Straits Times/ANN
