On 05.02.2016 the Land Transport Authority (LTA the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (Phase 1) report for the stretch of the Cross Island Line (CRL) at Singapore around the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR) was published.
LTA proposed the Cross Island Line (CRL) to provide a strategic underground rail link to enhance connectivity between the east/northeast and west of Singapore and to meet future transport demands. The CRL will be about 50km in length and is targeted to be completed around 2030. Starting from Changi in the east, the CRL will pass through Loyang, Pasir Ris, Hougang and Ang Mo Kio before reaching Sin Ming. It will then continue westwards, and it will serve areas including Bukit Timah, Clementi, and the West Coast before terminating at the Jurong Industrial Estate.
A segment of the proposed CRL may pass through or around the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR). LTA is studying two underground alignments a direct alignment (option 1) with 2km tunnel below the CCNR, approximately 40 m deep, no physical structure on the surface level. The alternative is a skirting alignment (option 2) with 9 km under homes and businesses with supporting ventilation facilities on the surface level.
The project requires an EIA, site investigation works, and an engineering feasibility study. Apart from environmental impact, the decision on the final CRL alignment will also take into account the need to maximise benefits to commuters and minimize the impact to residents and businesses, how much land will be needed and what the costs will be to the taxpayers.
Mitigation measures have been identified for the management and the identification of impacts. These measures have been consolidated in an Environmental management and Montoring Plan (EMMP) which will delineate responsibilities for implementation and monitoring during site investigation works.
The report concludes that the proposed site investigation works, with the implementation of mitigating measures and controlled access, could be carried out with only moderate impact on the few parts of the nature reserve where these works are to take place. The site investigation works will commence in the third quarter of this year. For further information on the project visit http://www.lta.gov.sg/. Click here for further information
http://www.lta.gov.sg/apps/news/page.aspx?c=2&id=85079f03-0c50-46e2-b44d-328034a5a838 09/16.
