East-West Line works on schedule; regular service set to resume on Dec 9

Works to connect the East-West Line (EWL) to the new East Coast Integrated Depot are on schedule thus far on the second day of a planned 10-day stretch of service adjustments for track works.

- Ng Keng Gene Correspondent

Mr Chia Choon Poh (second from right), LTA's group director of rail (electrical and mechanical), with Mr William Low, LTA's executive project engineer, checking out the progress of works to connect the East-West Line to the new East Coast Integrated Depot on Nov 30.ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG

(KELVIN CHNG)

There is currently no need for extra time, said Mr Chia Choon Poh, group director of rail (electrical and mechanical) at the Land Transport Authority (LTA), though he added that most of the work is exposed to external conditions, which means it is dependent on the weather.

Regular rail operations are slated to resume on Dec 9.

In an update on Nov 30, Mr Chia said that while some time had been budgeted in the schedule for wet weather, work could be affected whether rain or shine. December is typically one of the wettest months in Singapore.

For instance, he said, workers will need to rest for 15 minutes for each hour of work if the weather is hot, while heavy storms or lightning could cause the work schedule to be derailed.

Speaking to reporters at Tanah Merah MRT station one of two EWL stations that have been fully closed for the 10-day period - Mr Chia said that the closure was timed to coincide with the school holidays, adding that LTA's historical rider data shows that impact on passengers will be minimised during this period.