The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has awarded the civil contract for the design and construction of tunnels between the West Coast station (CR18) and Jurong Lake District station (CR19) for Cross Island Line (CRL) Phase 2 to Nishimatsu Construction Co., Ltd. and Okumura Corporation Singapore Branch Joint Venture (JV).

Nishimatsu Construction Co., Ltd is currently constructing the bored tunnels between Tampines North station (CR6) and Defu station (CR7). This contract encompasses the construction of twin bored tunnels, each extending 2.4 km beneath the Sungei Pandan Canal and key infrastructure such as the West Coast Highway and Ayer Rajah Expressway. These tunnels are projected to reach depths of up to 40 m, surpassing the typical 30-m depth for other stations. The ground conditions in this area predominantly consist of weathered soil and hard sedimentary rock. 

The CRL is Singapore’s eighth MRT line. It will serve existing and future developments in the eastern, north-eastern and western corridors, linking major hubs such as Jurong Lake District, Punggol Digital District and Changi region. The CRL will have almost half of its stations as interchanges with other rail lines, making it easier and more convenient for commuters to travel across the rail network. The fully underground CRL will be constructed in three phases. Announced in 2019, CRL Phase 1 is 29 km long and comprises 12 stations. Construction works have commenced and are targeted to be completed by 2030. CRL Phase 2, announced in September 2022, is approximately 15 km and comprises six underground stations. Engineering studies for the CRL Phase 3 are ongoing. 

Construction works are expected to start in Q4 of 2024 and passenger service for CRL Phase 2 is targeted to commence in 2032.