King Albert Park MRT station explained

Type:Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station
Address:2 Blackmore Drive
Singapore 599987
Other:Bus, taxi
Structure:Underground
Platform:2 (1 island platform) + 2 (1 island platform) (U/C)
Levels:1
Tracks:2 + 2 (U/C)
Bicycle:Yes
Passengers:5,658 per day[1]
Pass Year:June 2024
Opened: (Downtown line)
Opening: (Cross Island line)
Electrified:Yes
Accessible:Yes
Operator:SBS Transit DTL (ComfortDelGro Corporation)
Former:Blackmore, Bukit Timah[2] [3] [4]
Map Type:Singapore Rail
Map Dot Label:King Albert Park
Map Alt:Singapore MRT/LRT system map
Map Size:300px

King Albert Park MRT station is an underground Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station on the Downtown Line (DTL) in Bukit Timah, Singapore. Located at the western end of Bukit Timah Road at the junction of Blackmore Drive, this station serves the private residential estates along the Bukit Timah corridor. Sites surrounding the station include Methodist Girls' School, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, and the preserved Bukit Timah Railway Station.

First announced as Blackmore MRT station in July 2008, the station was constructed as part of DTL Stage 2 (DTL2). Construction was briefly delayed due to residents' concerns of the tunnel launch shaft near their estate, and the sudden dissolution of Alpine Bau contracted to construct the station. Initially forecast to open in mid-2016, the station opened earlier on 27 December 2015 along with the other DTL2 stations. In September 2022, the station was announced to interchange with the future Cross Island Line (CRL). The station features an Art-in-Transit artwork The Natural History of Singapore's Mythical Botanic Creatures by the Artists Caravan.

History

Downtown Line

The station was first announced as "Blackmore" station when the stations on Downtown Line Stage 2 (DTL2) were revealed in July 2008.[5] The station name was finalised as "King Albert Park" through a public poll in July 2009.[6] Contract 917 for the design and construction of the station and the adjacent tunnels was awarded to Alpine Bau GmbH (Singapore Branch) in September 2009. The contract included the construction of the adjacent Sixth Avenue station. Construction was targeted to begin in 2010.[7]

Construction works had to be suspended for two months over Maplewood residents' concerns about the tunnel boring machine (TBM) launch shaft located right outside the condominium.[8] The construction space required pedestrians to take an alternative route which residents considered "dangerous" and "inconvenient" especially for Methodist Girls' School (MGS) students due to the movement of construction vehicles. Motorists exiting the condominium had to watch out and give way to fast-moving traffic along Bukit Timah Road. The new construction site also limited access for service and emergency vehicles to the condominium. Unhappy that they were not consulted, the residents launched a petition to prime minister Lee Hsien Loong while some appealed to the local Member of Parliament (MP) Christopher de Souza to change the construction plans.[8]

Residents had suggested relocating the TBM launch shaft to Sixth Avenue station. However, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) explained that would require demolishing the shophouses. Another suggestion to drill the tunnels from Tan Kah Kee station would delay construction by another four years. Souza and the LTA, through engagements with the Maplewood residents, offered to rebuild a new direct pathway between the condominium and MGS and reconfigure the traffic to and from the condominium.[9] [10]

Eventually, road markings and traffic lights were implemented along Bukit Timah Road so traffic on the road would have to slow down near the condo. Noise barriers were erected to minimise construction noise and the construction site was regularly washed to minimise dust accumulation. The traffic scheme was revised so construction vehicles do not have to pass by the condominium.[11] Construction resumed in the middle of July 2011.

A precast segment of the Bukit Timah canal wall near the junction of Bukit Timah Road and Clementi Road was dislodged, which prompted a halt in construction works and the closure of the rightmost two lanes on Bukit Timah Road on 17 January 2012. Cement had to be injected to stabilise the ground.[12]

Bankruptcy of main contractor

On 19 June 2013, the main contractor for the station Alpine Bau went bankrupt.[13] [14] The sudden insolvency caught the LTA by surprise, as the construction was going well by then.[14] [15] An "unprecedented situation", the LTA immediately took action. A security firm was employed to protect the sites and the incomplete structures, while the LTA worked with experts to preserve the tunnel boring machines and recharge wells. As the LTA sought a new contractor, McConnell Dowell South East Asia, the contractor for Beauty World station, was temporarily appointed as the caretaker contractor to carry on tunnelling works. Through engagement with the Ministry of Manpower, the 400 affected workers were reassigned or sent home.[15]

On 29 August 2013, the LTA announced the appointment of two new contractors for King Albert Park and the two other stations. The contract for the completion of the King Albert Park and Sixth Avenue stations and associated tunnels was awarded to McConnell Dowell at a contract sum of $254 million (US$ million).[16] [17] The contractors were appointed just eight weeks after the insolvency, whereas usually, a tender needed at least six months for evaluation and processing. The quick appointment was to reduce the delay in the completion of DTL2.

To speed up the construction as much as possible, manpower for the construction of these stations increased by 25%, with workers taking up additional graveyard shifts so that work could continue throughout the day and night. To reduce inconvenience to residents, rather than using conventional breakers, quieter wire saws were utilised to break up the concrete struts.[15]

On 28 June 2015, Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew announced that the DTL2 would be opened earlier,[18] with the works 95% complete. The LTA managed to bring forward the completion as the staff worked through many weekends and "sleepless nights". The engineers were reported to be "equally proud and relieved" of the achievement and they were credited for their cooperation and hard work. In August that year, Lui announced that the DTL2 segment would open on 27 December.[19] [20] [21] Prior to the station's opening, passengers were offered a preview of the station during the DTL open house on 5 December.[22]

Cross Island line

The station was first announced to interchange with the Cross Island line (CRL) on 20 September 2022 by Transport Minister S Iswaran. The CRL platforms will be constructed as part of CRL Phase 2, a segment spanning six stations from Turf City station to Jurong Lake District station.[23] [24]

The contract for the construction of CRL King Albert Park station was awarded to China Communications Construction Company Limited (Singapore Branch) for S$447 million (US$ million) in October 2023. Construction of the new station was scheduled to begin in 2024 and be completed in 2032.[25] [26]

Details

King Albert Park station serves the Downtown line (DTL) and is situated between the Beauty World and Sixth Avenue stations. The official station code is DT6.[27] Being part of the DTL, the station is operated by SBS Transit.[28] The station is located along Bukit Timah Road at the junction with Blackmore Drive.[29] Surrounding landmarks of the station include: Bukit Timah Railway Bridge, the preserved Bukit Timah Railway Station,[30] [31] Covenant Community Methodist Church, Methodist Girls' School, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, and Sime Darby Centre.[32]

Design

The designs of King Albert Park station and the adjoining stations, Tan Kah Kee and Sixth Avenue, are intended to represent the natural elements.[33] The blue and turquoise panels in the station, arranged in ripple patterns, is intended to reflect the water surfaces.[34]

The station is wheelchair-accessible. A tactile system, consisting of tiles with rounded or elongated raised studs,[35] guides visually impaired commuters through the station, with dedicated routes that connect the station entrances to the platforms or between the lines. Wider fare gates allow easier access for wheelchair users into the station.

King Albert Park station is a designated Civil Defence (CD) shelter.[36] To be activated in times of national emergency, the station features the reinforced steel blast doors and decontamination chambers to protect against chemical attacks.[37]

Art-in-Transit

King Albert Park station features The Natural History of Singapore's Mythical Botanic Creatures by Chan Mei Hsien, Long Ying Han and Soh Pei Ling Joey of the Artists Caravan. The work was commissioned as part of the MRT network's Art-in-Transit (AiT) Programme, a public art showcase which integrates artworks into the MRT network.[38] The artwork depicts bronze statues of fantasy creatures placed at corners of the station, along with a "Nature Notebook" by MGS students printed on glass panes along the station's pedestrian bridge.[39] Referencing the wildlife that resides in the nearby Bukit Timah Nature Reserve,[38] the artwork is intended as a "whimsical narrative", depicting contrasts between natural and manmade environmental features through the revelation of the "secret lives" of these mystical creatures.[40] [41]

References

Bibliography

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Land Transport DataMall . Datamall . . 14 August 2024 . 14 August 2024 . https://archive.ph/YCbCx . live. registration.
  2. Web site: Circle Line, Downtown Line 1 and 2 Station Names Finalised . 16 June 2009 . www.lta.gov.sg . dead . https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/webarchives/2013-02-22%2016:48:50.000/wp/details/http://app.lta.gov.sg/apps/news/page.aspx?c=2&id=2146 . 22 February 2013 .
  3. Web site: Annex 1: Final Station Names . www.lta.gov.sg .
  4. Web site: Downtown Line 2 Station Names Shortlisted for Public Polling Press Room . 10 October 2008 . www.lta.gov.sg . dead . https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/webarchives/2013-02-22%2016:47:55.000/wp/details/http://app.lta.gov.sg/apps/news/page.aspx?c=2&id=2021 . 22 February 2013 .
  5. Web site: Downtown Line 2 Station Sites Named . Land Transport Authority . 17 June 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110527042907/http://app.lta.gov.sg/corp_press_content.asp?start=1969 . 27 May 2011.
  6. Web site: Circle Line, Downtown Line 1 and 2 Station Names Finalised . 16 June 2009 . Land Transport Authority . dead . https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/webarchives/2016-04-25%2016:13:30.000/wp/details/http://www.lta.gov.sg/apps/news/page.aspx?c=2&id=2146 . 25 April 2016 .
  7. Web site: LTA Awards 2 Downtown Line Contracts . 23 September 2009 . Land Transport Authority . dead . https://archive.today/20210307030219/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/webarchives/2016-04-25%2020:22:28.000/wp/details/http://www.lta.gov.sg/apps/news/page.aspx?c=2&id=a6ir7e6s59nme8ej9ui87pqps86o68xkmx74s3m26lh9awy4fu . 7 March 2021 . 27 September 2022.
  8. Web site: Residents petition against construction work at their doorstep . . . 7 June 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110609030254/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1133636/1/.html . 9 June 2011 . dead . 4 October 2022.
  9. Web site: Solutions offered to Maplewoods residents . . . 7 June 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110610011455/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1133810/1/.html . 10 June 2011 . dead . 4 October 2022.
  10. News: Maplewoods residents unhappy with solutions offered . . . 16 June 2011 . 19 June 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110618233934/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1135562/1/.html . 18 June 2011 . dead.
  11. News: LTA confident Downtown Line 2 will proceed as scheduled after delays . . . 30 June 2011 . 30 June 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110701073952/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1137973/1/.html . 1 July 2011 . live.
  12. Web site: Part of Bukit Timah canal found dislodged while tunnelling: LTA . . . 20 January 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120120234625/http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_757911.html . 20 January 2012 . dead . Sim . Royston . 20 January 2012.
  13. Web site: Stage 2 of Downtown Line to open in first quarter 2016 . TODAYonline . 16 May 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161011101931/http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/stage-2-downtown-line-open-first-quarter-2016 . 11 October 2016 . live.
  14. Web site: Christopher Tan . Key MRT project contractor goes bust . The Straits Times . 25 June 2013 . 13 January 2021 . 13 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210113132744/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/key-mrt-project-contractor-goes-bust . live.
  15. Web site: Cheong . Danson . LTA duo keep DTL2 on track . The Straits Times . 14 December 2015 . 24 March 2021 . 14 February 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210214001143/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/lta-duo-keep-dtl2-on-track . live.
  16. Web site: Sim . Royston . New Downtown Line 2 contractor appointed, entire stage to be ready in mid-2016 . The Straits Times . 29 August 2013 . 13 January 2021 . 13 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210113132703/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/new-downtown-line-2-contractor-appointed-entire-stage-to-be-ready-in-mid-2016 . live.
  17. Web site: New Contractors Appointed for Three Downtown Line 2 Stations . Land Transport Authority . https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/webarchives/2016-04-25%2019:06:20.000/wp/details/http://www.lta.gov.sg/apps/news/page.aspx?c=2&id=ad6ab933-32b1-471f-9288-5540b8c3a721 . 25 April 2016 . dead.
  18. Web site: Thumbs Up For Downtown Line's Earlier Opening . The Straits Times . 3 October 2014 . 29 January 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150403023227/http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/thumbs-downtown-lines-earlier-opening-20141003 . 3 April 2015 . live.
  19. Web site: The Rail Report: 12 Stations of Downtown Line 2 to Open on 27 December . Land Transport Authority . 6 August 2015 . 13 January 2021 . 13 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210113132711/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2015/8/2/the-rail-report-12-stations-of-downtown-line-2-to-open-on-27-december.html . live.
  20. Web site: Lim . Adrian . Phase 2 of Downtown Line to open on Dec 27 . The Straits Times . 7 August 2015 . 13 January 2021 . 13 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210113132756/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/phase-2-of-downtown-line-to-open-on-dec-27 . live.
  21. Web site: Jo . Yeo Sam . Thousands check out Downtown Line 2 on opening day . The Straits Times . 28 December 2015 . 13 January 2021 . 13 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210113132041/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/thousands-check-out-downtown-line-2-on-opening-day . live.
  22. Web site: LTA News Room News Releases Downtown Line 2 is Coming to Town….this December. www.lta.gov.sg . 24 April 2020 . 4 September 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200904124826/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2015/11/2/downtown-line-2-is-coming-to-townthis-december.html . live.
  23. Web site: Hui Min . Chew . Six more MRT stations will be built in Phase 2 of Cross Island Line; to open by 2032 . CNA . 20 September 2022 . 20 September 2022 . 20 September 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220920075156/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/mrt-stations-cross-island-line-phase-2-west-coast-turf-city-jurong-lake-district-late-2950841 . live.
  24. Web site: Kok . Yufeng . Cross Island Line phase 2 to open by 2032 with 6 MRT stations, from Turf City to Jurong Lake District . The Straits Times . 20 September 2022 . 20 September 2022 . 20 September 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220920075216/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/cross-island-lines-phase-2-to-open-in-2032-with-6-mrt-stations-from-turf-city-to-jurong-lake-district . live.
  25. Web site: LTA Awards Two Civil Contracts for Cross Island Line Phase 2 . LTA . 2 October 2023 . 2 October 2023.
  26. Web site: Cross Island Line Phase 2 . LTA . 20 September 2022 . 20 September 2022 . 20 September 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220920082251/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2022/9/news-releases/cross-island-line-phase-2.html . live.
  27. Web site: MRT System Map . Land Transport Authority . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20200821064838/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/dam/ltagov/getting_around/public_transport/rail_network/pdf/sm-20-03-en-exp.pdf . 21 August 2020 . 23 August 2020.
  28. Web site: Getting Around – Public Transport – Rail Network . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20191101093543/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/getting_around/public_transport/rail_network.html . 1 November 2019 . 27 April 2021 . Land Transport Authority.
  29. Web site: DT6 King Albert Park MRT Station . OneMap . . 5 October 2022 .
  30. Web site: Annex A: Accesses To Rail Corridor (Central) . National Parks Board . 6 October 2022.
  31. Web site: Visit Bukit Timah Railway Station . National Parks Board . 6 October 2022.
  32. News: Station Information – King Albert Park . SBS Transit . 5 January 2022 . 5 January 2022 . live . 5 January 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220105145640/https://www.sbstransit.com.sg/Service/TrainInformation?TrainLine=DTL&Station=KAP.
  33. Web site: King Albert . PolyVision . 30 September 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170402162124/https://polyvision.com/about/projects/king-albert . 2 April 2017 . live.
  34. Web site: DTL – King Albert Park MRT, Singapore . ONG&ONG . 5 October 2022 . 5 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221005014534/https://www.ong-ong.com/projects/civic/dtl-king-albert-park-mrt-singapore/ . live.
  35. Web site: 30 July 2021 . Tactile Guiding System: Studs and Strips to Guide Your Way . 11 September 2021 . . 11 September 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210911021750/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/who_we_are/statistics_and_publications/Connect/tactile-guiding-system.html . live.
  36. Web site: List of Public CD shelters as of 31 Dec 2019 . . 3 September 2021 . 3 September 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210903080538/https://www.scdf.gov.sg/docs/default-source/scdf-library/fssd-downloads/list-of-public-cd-shelters-as-of-31-dec-2019.pdf . live.
  37. Web site: Hio . Lester . Public can take a look at emergency shelters at three Downtown Line stations this weekend . The Straits Times . 12 December 2015 . 5 October 2022 . 6 December 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211206160343/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/public-can-take-a-look-at-emergency-shelters-at-three-downtown-line-stations-this-weekend . live.
  38. Web site: Getting Around – Public Transport – A Better Public Transport Experience – Art in Transit . LTA . 7 April 2020 . 21 April 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200421081559/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/getting_around/public_transport/a_better_public_transport_experience/art_in_transit.html . 21 April 2020 . live.
  39. Web site: Hanging Out with the Mythical Botanic Creatures . . 6 October 2022 . 6 August 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220806213236/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/dam/ltagov/getting_around/public_transport/a_better_public_transport_experience/art_in_transit/pdf/DTL%20AIT%20QR%20DT6%20KAP.pdf . live.
  40. Web site: Amirah Liyana Reduwan . Downtown Line 2: Art in Transit . The New Paper . 27 November 2015 . 30 September 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160510143802/http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore-news/downtown-line-2-art-transit . 10 May 2016 . live.
  41. Web site: Art-in-Transit . SBSTransit . 5 October 2022 . 6 October 2022 . 21 April 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200421081419/https://www.sbstransit.com.sg/art-in-transit . live.

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