The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has awarded to Nishimatsu Construction Co Ltd the EUR 289.96 million (SDG446 million) contract for the design and construction of the bored tunnel between Tampines North and Defu stations, Cross Island Line Phase 1 (CRL1). The contract includes the construction of a facility building with underground basements to cater to the electrical and mechanical requirements of CRL1. A 12.6m m diameter TBM will be used to construct a single 2.9-km long tunnel with two tracks in it. This will be the largest TBM ever to be deployed in Singapore and it is expected to increase work productivity and reduce manpower requirements. The tunnel will be constructed at an approximate depth of 35 m below ground level, and is almost 50 m underground at its deepest. Tunnelling will be carried out mostly in Old Alluvium, which is a predominantly soil-like material comprising sandy and silty clay. This abrasive ground condition is expected to cause some wear to the TBM’s cutting equipment. Construction works for the bored tunnel between Tampines North station and Defu station are expected to start in December 2021.Visit https://www.lta.gov.sg and https://www.nishimatsu.co.jp/.  46/21.