Woodlands North MRT station explained

Type:Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) terminus
Future Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) station
Address:20 Woodlands North Coast Road
Singapore 737668
Coordinates:1.4482°N 103.7851°W
Structure:Underground
Platform:2 (1 island platform)
Levels:1
Tracks:2
Parking:Yes (Republic Polytechnic)
Passengers:4,990 per day[1]
Pass Year:June 2024
Opened: (Thomson–East Coast Line)
Opening:End 2026 (Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS)
Accessible:Yes
Electrified:Yes
Operator:SMRT Trains Ltd (SMRT Corporation) (Thomson–East Coast Line)
RTS Operations Pte Ltd (Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS)[2]
Owned:Land Transport Authority
Former:Republic Crescent, Admiralty Park[3] [4]
Map Type:Singapore Rail
Map Dot Label:Woodlands North
Map Alt:Singapore MRT/LRT system map
Map Size:300px

Woodlands North MRT station is an underground Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station in Woodlands, Singapore.[5] The station is the northern terminus of the Thomson–East Coast Line (TEL). It is located at the centre of Woodlands North at Woodlands North Coast Road, off Admiralty Road West, and is adjacent to Republic Polytechnic (RP). The station is envisioned to serve the Woodlands North Coast project, a mixed-use business and lifestyle precinct in the far north of the country designed by Arup and built by JTC.[6] [7]

The station was one of the first three TEL stations to be opened on 31 January 2020 as part of Stage 1. During its construction, plans were made for the station to be linked with the Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS, which was confirmed in 2012. Construction began in 2021, and it will be the Singapore terminus of the RTS when it is completed by 2026.

History

The station was first announced as part of the 22-station Thomson Line (TSL) on 29 August 2012.[8] [9] Contract T202 for the design and construction of Woodlands North Station and associated tunnels was awarded to Penta-Ocean Construction Co Ltd for S$337 million (US$ million) in November 2013. Construction started in 2014 with a scheduled completion date of 2019.[10] [11]

On 15 August 2014, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced that TSL would merge with the Eastern Region Line to form the Thomson–East Coast Line(TEL).[12] [13] The station was constructed as part of Phase 1 (TEL1), consisting of three stations between this station and Woodlands South.[14] [15]

On 19 September 2019, it was announced by then Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan that TEL1 will open before the end of January 2020.[16] The LTA later announced in December that the TEL1 stations would be opened on 31 January 2020.[17] Before the stations commenced operations on that day, an open house for the TEL 1 stations was held on 11 January 2020.[18] [19]

RTS Link

In June 2011, it was announced that the northern terminus of the TEL will be connected to the proposed cross border rail link.[20] [21] On 16 January 2018, a bilateral agreement on the project was signed between Malaysia and Singapore, during the 8th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders' Retreat. The agreement finalised certain aspects of the project, including its maintenance facilities, operator, and customs facilities.[22]

However, the project was postponed on 21 May 2019 due to financial implications on Malaysia's side.[23] On 31 October that year, Malaysia agreed to resume the RTS project at a lower cost although the project is still suspended until 30 April 2020.[24] [25] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was agreed that the project be suspended further until 31 July 2020.[26] The project officially resumed on 30 July 2020 with a new completion target by end 2026.

The contract for the construction of the RTS Link Woodlands North station and associated tunnels was awarded to Penta-Ocean Construction Co Ltd for S$932.8 million (US$ million). The contract includes the construction of Singapore's Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) building. Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2021, with expected completion by the end of 2026.[27] [28] On 22 January 2021, construction of the Singaporean side of the RTS link began with a groundbreaking ceremony near the station.[29] On 29 January 2021, China Communications Construction Company Limited (Singapore branch) was awarded the second contract to construct tunnels and viaducts at a value of S$180 million (US$135.24 million).[30] The King of Malaysia Ibrahim Iskandar of Johor visited the station on 7 May 2024 during his state visit to Singapore.[31] [32]

Station details

Design

The station's interior has a red and white scheme that was inspired by the National Flag of Singapore, to welcome visitors coming from Malaysia into the country. The station also features aluminium ceiling panels above the platforms which mimic the movements of the daily flux of commuters.[33] The station has a much larger size compared to other MRT stations, as the station was set to accommodate the peak-hour traffic for travellers between Singapore and Johor Bahru.[34] There are two exits from the station.[35]

The RTS station is to be built underground at a maximum depth of 28metres.[29] The station will have three levels, including an underground linkway to the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) building. The station size, including the CIQ building, will be 10 times the typical size of an MRT station. The RTS station and the CIQ building, built next to the TEL station, will be integrated with the station via an underground concourse.[29]

Artwork

As part of the Art-in-Transit (AIT) programme, the artwork displayed here is "New Departures" by Amanda Heng, a montage of quotes from residents and a skyline of Woodlands.[36] This artwork explores borders and boundaries from a personal, rather than physical perspective. It was created to encourage commuters to take on their daily life with "courage and positivity."[37] The artwork draws on the role of this station being the future interchange of the cross-border RTS link between Singapore and Johor Bahru.[38]

External links

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: 30 July 2020. Singapore, Malaysia hold ceremony at Causeway to mark resumption of RTS Link project. 31 July 2020. CNA. en. 31 July 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200731075224/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-malaysia-hold-ceremony-causeway-resumption-rts-link-12973304. live.
  3. Web site: LTA News Room News Releases Public Poll for Thomson Line Station Names. www.lta.gov.sg. 25 April 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200425010122/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2013/5/2/public-poll-for-thomson-line-station-names.html. 25 April 2020. live.
  4. Web site: LTA News Room News Releases Thomson Line Station Names Finalised. www.lta.gov.sg. 25 April 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200106112333/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2014/6/2/thomson-line-station-names-finalised.html. 6 January 2020. live.
  5. Web site: TSL System Map & Station Footprints (Woodlands North station). 29 August 2012. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200106110240/https://www.facebook.com/WeKeepYourWorldMoving/photos/a.374270265976549/374270512643191/?type=3&theater. 6 January 2020.
  6. Web site: Heng . Yoong Heng . A ‘smart’ and sustainable precinct in Singapore’s north . www.arup.com . . 14 July 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210705080212/https://www.arup.com/projects/woodlands-north-coast . 5 July 2021 . en.
  7. Web site: Woodlands North Coast . www.jtc.gov.sg . . 14 July 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220126081809/https://www.jtc.gov.sg/find-land/land-for-long-term-development/woodlands-north-coast . 26 January 2022 . en.
  8. Web site: Sim . Royston . 29 August 2012 . New Thomson MRT line to open from 2019, and have 22 stations . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120829233715/http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/singapore/story/new-thomson-mrt-line-open-2019-and-have-22-stations-20120829 . 29 August 2012 . 30 June 2021 . The Straits Times.
  9. Web site: 30 August 2012 . Thomson Line to open from 2019 with 22 stations . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120830140407/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1222777/1/.html . 30 August 2012 . 30 June 2021 . Channel NewsAsia (CNA).
  10. Web site: LTA Awards Two Contracts for Thomson Line’s Woodlands North and Napier Stations . . 14 December 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200213082955/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2013/11/2/lta-awards-two-contracts-for-thomson-lines-woodlands-north-and-napier-stations.html . 13 February 2020 . 29 November 2013 . dead.
  11. Web site: Melody . Zaccheus . LTA awards contracts for two Woodlands North and Napier stations along the Thomson Line . . . 29 November 2013 . 14 December 2022.
  12. Web site: Goy . Priscilla . 15 August 2014 . Thomson-East Coast Line to run through estates in the east including Marine Parade . . . 25 November 2022 . 7 February 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210207120109/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/thomson-east-coast-line-to-run-through-estates-in-the-east-including-marine . live .
  13. News: New Thomson-East Coast Line to fully open in 2024 . 25 November 2022 . . . 15 August 2015 . https://archive.today/20140816093738/http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/lta-announces-s24-billion-rail-line-connect-north-south-and-east . 16 August 2014. live.
  14. Web site: Joint News Release by the Land Transport Authority & Singapore Land Authority - Thomson-East Coast Line: New MRT Links in the East Press Room Land Transport Authority. 19 August 2014. www.lta.gov.sg. 13 February 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20140819084445/http://app.lta.gov.sg/apps/news/page.aspx?c=2&id=3cc2e460-06ea-4245-a37f-df11b602ec7d. 19 August 2014. dead.
  15. Web site: LTA Upcoming Projects Rail Expansion Thomson-East Coast Line. https://web.archive.org/web/20200213075700/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/upcoming_projects/rail_expansion/thomson_east_coast_line.html. dead. 13 February 2020. 13 February 2020. 13 February 2020.
  16. News: Tan . Christopher . First phase of Thomson-East Coast Line to open before Chinese New Year next year, with 3 stations in Woodlands . The Straits Times . 19 September 2019 . 4 August 2021 . 19 September 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190919100959/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/first-phase-of-thomson-east-coast-line-to-open-before-chinese-new-year-next-year . live .
  17. News: 3 stations on Thomson-East Coast Line begin operations. Wong. Kai Yi. 31 January 2020. The Straits Times. en. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200205130600/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/3-stations-on-thomson-east-coast-line-begin-operations. 5 February 2020. 5 February 2020.
  18. Web site: Public Preview of Thomson-East Coast Line 1 Stations on 11 January . LTA . 11 December 2019 . 4 August 2021 . 6 January 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200106113501/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2019/12/1/public_preview_of_thomson-east_coast_line1_stations_on_11january.html . live .
  19. Web site: Speech by Minister Khaw Boon Wan at the Thomson-East Coast Line Stage 1 Open House . Ministry of Transport (MOT) . 11 January 2020 . 4 August 2021 . 4 August 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210804021002/https://www.mot.gov.sg/news-centre/news/Detail/speech-by-minister-khaw-boon-wan-at-the-thomson-east-coast-line-stage-1-open-house/ . live .
  20. Web site: Thomson Line Depot To Be Constructed In Mandai Press Room Land Transport Authority . Land Transport Authority (LTA). en . 26 August 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180826113422/https://www.lta.gov.sg/apps/news/page.aspx?c=2&id=2g8u06wb5lpg487lobzx9o7n1sfszjo7137e2b82kqgbb1lbm6 . 26 August 2018 . dead .
  21. Web site: LTA Upcoming Projects Rail Expansion JB-Singapore Rapid Transit Link. 3 July 2020. www.lta.gov.sg. 3 July 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200703122438/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/upcoming_projects/rail_expansion/JB-Singapore_RTS_link.html. live.
  22. Web site: Singapore, Malaysia sign bilateral agreement on JB-Singapore Rapid Transit System . 16 January 2018 . Channel NewsAsia . 16 January 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190407005606/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-malaysia-sign-bilateral-agreement-on-jb-singapore-9864584 . 7 April 2019 . live .
  23. Web site: Singapore agrees to suspend construction of RTS Link at Malaysia's request. Yusof. Amir. 21 May 2019. CNA. en. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200106121215/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/rts-link-singapore-malaysia-suspends-johor-bahru-11542908. 6 January 2020. 6 January 2020.
  24. Web site: Malaysia continues RTS project with a new cost of RM3.16b. 31 October 2019. The Edge Markets. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20191105012515/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/malaysiasingapore-rail-link-back-lower-cost-%E2%80%94-dr-mahathir. 5 November 2019. 6 January 2020.
  25. Web site: JB-Singapore RTS Link to go ahead but further suspended to April 2020: Khaw. 4 November 2019. CNA. en. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200107085331/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-jb-malaysia-rts-rail-link-agreement-12062794. 7 January 2020. 7 January 2020.
  26. Web site: JB-Singapore RTS Link project suspended for another 3 months until Jul 31 amid COVID-19 outbreak. CNA. en. 6 May 2020. 8 May 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200508003831/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/jb-singapore-rts-link-project-suspension-july-covid-19-12696556. live.
  27. Web site: News Room - LTA Awards Civil Contract to Construct Johor Bahru - Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link . LTA . 26 November 2020 . 26 November 2020 . 26 November 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201126092335/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2020/november/news-releases/lta-awards-civil-contract-to-construct-johor-bahru---singapore-r.html . dead .
  28. Web site: Lam . Fiona . LTA awards S$932.8m contract to build Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link . The Business Times . 26 November 2020 . 26 November 2020 . 26 November 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201126075219/https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/transport/lta-awards-s9328m-contract-to-build-johor-bahru-singapore-rts-link . live .
  29. Web site: News Room - News Releases - Factsheet: Groundbreaking Ceremony for Johor Bahru – Singapore Rapid Transit System Link . www.lta.gov.sg . 22 January 2021 . 22 January 2021 . 22 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210122103935/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2021/1/news-releases/groundbreaking_ceremony_for_rtslink.html . live .
  30. Web site: LTA Awards Second Civil Contract to Construct Johor Bahru – Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link . Land Transport Authority . 29 January 2021 . 29 January 2021 . 29 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210129030545/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2021/1/news-releases/lta_awards_second_civil_contract_to_construct_rts.html . live .
  31. Web site: Ting . Wong Pei . Malaysia’s King wraps up state visit to S’pore with focus on connections and connectivity . The Straits Times . 7 May 2024 . 8 May 2024.
  32. Web site: King, Queen Briefed on Progress of RTS Link Project in Singapore . Bernama. 22 November 2020 . 8 May 2024.
  33. Web site: LTA Getting Around Public Transport Rail Network Thomson-East Coast Line. 3 July 2020. www.lta.gov.sg. 21 April 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200421102954/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/getting_around/public_transport/rail_network/thomson_east_coast_line.html. live.
  34. News: Tham. Yuen-C. 11 January 2020. 3 stations on Thomson-East Coast Line open, including one to be connected to Singapore-Malaysia RTS Link. 3 July 2020. The Straits Times. en. 3 July 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200703125116/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/3-stations-on-thomson-east-coast-line-open-including-one-to-be-connected-to. live.
  35. News: Public to get sneak peek of 3 new Thomson-East Coast Line stations . 16 May 2021 . TODAY . 9 January 2020 . 16 May 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210516115407/https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/public-get-sneak-peek-3-new-thomson-east-coast-line-stations . live .
  36. Web site: LTA Art in Transit . 2023-09-14 . www.lta.gov.sg.
  37. Web site: LTA News Room news-releases Factsheet: Thomson-East Coast Line. 7 June 2020. www.lta.gov.sg. 3 July 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200703110808/https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2020/january/news-releases/factsheet--thomson-east-coast-line.html. live.
  38. Web site: A journey with art on TEL SharedHere. 7 June 2020. sharedhere.com. 7 June 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200607061319/https://sharedhere.com/@Straits_Times_Premium/a-journey-with-art-on-tel-NWMQPPLqUnxke6eeDKBCtb. live.

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