Trial trenching at Choa Chu Kang

Trial trench location along Choa Chu Kang Avenue 3

A recent visit to Choa Chu Kang Avenue 3 turns up some evidence of trial trenching works commencing. Trial trenching is a process whereby trenches are dug as a means of locating utilities that require diversion. You may likely have seen trial trenches being dug around without knowing the proper term for the process.

Excavator with traffic cones bearing LTA logo along Choa Chu Kang Avenue 3 for trial trenching works

As trial trenches are used to locate utility points before actual diversion is performed at a later stage, it is highly likely that the Jurong Region Line (JRL) will run along this particular road as previously speculated. The intensity in Soil Investigation (SI) works has also increased with a number of rigs being spotted at various locations along the roadway.

Soil Investigation rig at junction of Choa Chu Kang Avenue 3 and 5

Soil Investigation rig at junction of Choa Chu Kang Avenue 3 and Brickland Road

Soil investigation marker (borehole)

Soil investigation rig at junction of Choa Chu Kang Avenue 3 and 1

Together with our previous post highlighting the fact that the Choa Chu Kang bus interchange will be shifted to a temporary location, a recent file from the Ministry of Transport following Budget 2017 confirms that the move is indeed related to the JRL project. The JRL station thus will sit to the west of the existing Choa Chu Kang station, occupying the site vacated by the bus interchange.

Confirmation of relocation of Bus Interchange at Choa Chu Kang for JRL project

Aerial view of existing Choa Chu Kang bus interchange, to be relocated by 2018. The JRL Choa Chu Kang station will occupy the tract of land next to the existing North South Line station.

Aerial view looking south towards Choa Chu Kang Avenue 3, a corridor that the JRL is likely to run along.