LTA Awards Second Civil Contract to Construct Johor Bahru – RTS Link
- Contract covers construction of RTS Link viaduct and tunnels
Artist’s Impression of RTS Link Viaduct (image: LTA)
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has awarded the second civil contract for the construction of Johor Bahru – Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link to China Communications Construction Company Limited (Singapore Branch) at a contract value of around $180 million. This contract covers the construction of the RTS Link viaduct and tunnels in Singapore. The viaduct will stand above the Straits of Johor within Singapore’s territory at a height of 25 metres. It will then continue inland and transition to underground tunnels connecting to the RTS Link Woodlands North station.
China Communications Construction Company Limited (Singapore Branch) has 15 years of experience in infrastructure construction, specialising in large-scale rail, road and bridge projects. It has previously completed rail projects in other countries such as China and Kenya. The company is also currently constructing the Boon Lay station on the Jurong Region Line.
Construction for the RTS Link viaduct and tunnels is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2021. The first civil contract to construct the RTS Link Woodlands North station, tunnels and the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) building in Singapore, was awarded on 26 November 2020. The RTS Link is expected to commence passenger service in end 2026.
About RTS Link
The RTS Link is a 4km rail shuttle service between the Singapore terminus at Woodlands North station and the Malaysia terminus at Bukit Chagar station in Johor Bahru.
It has a large capacity of 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction. Passengers will enjoy a fast and seamless travelling experience between Singapore and Johor Bahru on the RTS Link, and a journey time of about five minutes between the two stations.
Furthermore, the CIQ facilities will be conveniently co-located at Woodlands North and Bukit Chagar stations, so that passengers will only be required to clear both Singapore and Malaysia immigration authorities once, at the point of departure. Upon arrival in Singapore, passengers can seamlessly continue their journey by transferring to the Thomson-East Coast Line, which is adjacent to the RTS Link Woodlands North station.
When operations commence, the RTS Link will significantly improve connectivity between Singapore and Johor Bahru and ease congestion along the Causeway.
The RTS Link will further enhance the connectivity of the North Region. 2019 saw the opening of several new MRT stations and an Integrated Transport Hub (ITH):
- Canberra MRT on the North-South Line (NSL)
- Woodlands North, Woodlands, and Woodlands South MRT stations on the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL)
- Yishun ITH
In 2020, North region connectivity was enhanced by Springleaf MRT along the TEL which will also open. Residents can also look forward to the upgraded Woodlands Regional Bus Interchange, which will be connected to the Woodlands MRT interchange station when completed. This will also enhance the North region connectivity.
URA said that with the Masterplan 2019 Singapore’s North Region will be develop more one stop hubs. With the upcoming integrated developments – Bukit Canberra, Canberra Plaza, and Woodlands Health Campus – families in the North will be able to meet their daily needs near their homes.
Masterplan 2019 envisions that people in the North Region will be living well-connected towns
Residents of the North will soon have a variety of new live, work and play options. There will be new amenities and public housing developments planned around existing and upcoming MRT stations, including Canberra MRT.
Bukit Canberra
The upcoming Bukit Canberra will offer Sembawang residents easier access to amenities than ever before. When fully opened in 2021, the integrated development will feature a verdant park-like setting and will include facilities such as a polyclinic, senior care centre, hawker centre, swimming pools, and an indoor sports hall.
New Generation Neighbourhood Centre
When completed in end-2019, Canberra Plaza will feature public housing that is integrated with myriad amenities, including an event plaza, supermarkets, restaurants, food courts and enrichment centres.
Woodlands Health Campus
Comprising both acute and community hospitals, a nursing home, and specialist clinics, the Woodlands Health Campus will offer quality care to residents. It will open progressively from 2022.
Masterplan 2019 envisions bringing more jobs to the North Region and in providing more growth opportunities
Reimagining Sembawang Shipyard
Once Sembawang Shipyard’s operations cease, the site has the potential to be redeveloped into a mixed-use waterfront lifestyle precinct while taking into consideration its rich maritime history. The shipyard’s unique coastal profile presents opportunities for new waterfront public spaces. Selected buildings can also be re-purposed to introduce suitable uses that will bring new life into the area.
Masterplan 2019 envisions new play spaces in the North Region with green & blue spaces for fun & leisure
Kranji: The Recreation & Community Hub
We will inject more recreational activities and community spaces into Singapore Racecourse so that more people from all walks of life can enjoy the place. Alongside other nearby attractions such as Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and the Mandai wildlife parks, Kranji will become a launch pad for fun activities for families, the young and the old.
Green Loop Around Lower Seletar Reservoir
To allow residents to enjoy Lower Seletar Reservoir, URA will progressively create a green walking and cycling loop around the reservoir. Residents will be able to enjoy scenic views and seamlessly connect to the future Round Island Route from Yishun Dam. This will also increase North region connectivity.
Walking & Cycling to Work & Play part of North region connectivity
Today, Sembawang and Yishun residents enjoy an extensive intra-town cycling path network that connects residential areas with key local amenities. Moving forward, more cycling paths and park connectors will make your journeys even smoother.
WoodsVista Gallery
When WoodsVista Gallery is ready, residents will enjoy a seamless pedestrian and cycling connection to Woodlands MRT, Admiralty Park, and all the way to Woodlands Waterfront Park.
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