Cross Island Line Constructions That Will Affect Hougang MRT Will Begin This Year; Whole Project costs S$604m

It appears that Singapore’s eighth MRT line will soon commence construction:

A notion that will surely appease the folks of Hougang.

Touted to be more than 50 kilometres long, the Cross Island Line (CRL) project will span three phases of construction and is set to boast the highest number of interchange stations by the end of completion.

In other words, it’s gonna be the king of alternative routes in a few decades’ time.

And it will all start with one defining station: Hougang.

Cross Island Line Constructions That Will Affect Hougang MRT Will Begin This Year; Whole Project costs S$604m

South Korean firm Samsung C&T Corporation has been tasked with the construction of Hougang interchange station and its tunnels on the Cross Island Line.

The project is valued at $604 million and is expected to commence in the last quarter of 2021.

Apart from the CRL project, the South Korean firm is currently involved in the construction of the Caldecott and Marine Parade stations on the Thomson-East Coast Line, and Xilin station on the Downtown Line.

With the Cross Island Line (CRL), travel time from Hougang to Sin Ming could be reduced by as much as 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, travel time Hougang to Sin Ming could be reduced by as much as 35 minutes.

Hougang Interchange Station is under phase one of the CRL plan and is expected to kickstart operations in 2030.

First Phase

According to LTA, the Cross Island Line will be formulated in three phases.

Apparently, the first phase, which spans 29km, will get the ball rolling with 12 stations that stretch from Aviation Park to Bright Hill.

It is expected to benefit more than 100,000 households across the Loyang, Tampines, Pasir Ris, Defu, Hougang, Serangoon North and Ang Mo Kio areas.

The line will also cater to “existing and future developments in the eastern, western, and north-eastern corridors, connecting major hubs such as Jurong Lake District, Punggol Digital District and Changi region”.

In addition, commuters will be able to access common recreational spaces such as Changi Beach Park and Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park with increased ease (via public transport).

Samsung C&T Corporation

Founded in 2038, the South Korean firm was recognised by the Korean government in 1975 as the nation’s “first general trading company” to handle overseas trading operations.

It was discovered as the parent group of the formidable Samsung Group.

Aside from construction projects, the firm has also been involved in trade and investment, fashion and resorts since 1995.

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