TBM Theia completes Expo bound tunnel

Today, TBM Theia of C930 completed the Expo bound tunnel from Ubi to MacPherson station. The completed tunnel joins a string of breakthroughs along Downtown Line stage 3 that signal the line inching towards completion day. To date, the longest completed section could see one walking from the Bendemeer station all the way to Bedok Reservoir.

TBM Theia, having successfully broken through at MacPherson station

MacPherson station is an interchange between the Downtown and Circle Lines, where the Downtown Line platforms sit beneath the Circle Line platforms.

Graphic representation of MacPherson interchange - Circle Line platform level

Graphic representation of MacPherson interchange - Downtown Line platform level

As such, the Downtown Line tunnels sit side-by-side so as to facilitate easy transfer to the Circle Line via side platforms. Contractor SK E&C had to ensure that the close tunnels did not affect the roads above on the surface level or cause excessive settlement to the operational Circle Line station as they broke through the station wall - you can notice TBM Gaia being dismantled next to TBM Theia through the columns in this photo.

TBM Theia

TBM Gaia (Bukit Panjang bound) being dismantled right next to TBM Theia

Else where along stage 3, construction works are progressing well. On the other end of MacPherson station, the Bukit Panjang bound tunnel has seen the first stage concreting works done. TBM S-737, Jet, is still currently boring the Expo bound tunnel on its return journey from Mattar station.

At Geylang Bahru station, works are underway to install the Civil Defence blast doors at the track area.

Additionally, TBM S-739 named Whampoa, has successfully completed boring the Expo-bound tunnel from neighbouring contract 933 for Bendemeer station and tunnels. TBM S-740, is also clearly visible from the HDB block next to the Geylang Bahru station site, sitting just inside the station area.

Contractor KTC, which recently won a contract on the Thomson Line, is also involved in several stage 3 contracts. As such, they have updated images of the respective contracts that they are involved in. At Upper Changi station, excavation works were progressing well back in March.

KTC is also involved in excavation work at Tampines East station and the cripple siding, located west of the station box.

Do stay tuned for more updates as we track the progress of Downtown Line stages 2 and 3 as we close in on full completion in 2017.

Photo credits - With thanks to Shariful Islam, Kazi Shahib, Hor Kin, LTA and KTC.