J150 - Trackwork update Q1 2025

8 March 2025 - A sleeper-laying machine on the Jurong Pier-bound track near Hong Kah station.

Track laying and related installation works - referred to as Track Related Installation Programme (TRIP) - commenced on the Jurong Region Line (JRL)'s main line following the handover of sections of viaduct near the Tengah Junction by contract J102 in August 2024 to the trackworks contractor under contract J150. This represented the first contract where viaducts were handed over for TRIP purposes. TRIP works will encompass the laying of rails (both running rails and the third rail as well), cabling for communications, signaling infrastructure and platform screen gates among other components. For this post, we'll look specifically at the rail laying component as this is among the first activities to be initiated under TRIP works as locomotives and wagons will use the installed rails for subsequent installation activities.

18 February 2024 - Ballast laid and sleepers in place at Tengah Depot, the first site to commence
track laying works.

Besides track works commencing along the viaduct near Tengah Junction, similar works have been taking place within the depot site as well. These commenced earlier, around January 2024, within limited areas where the civil structures were sufficiently completed to allow for site possession by the contractor - China Railway First Group (CRFG).

4 March 2024 - Display on the various types of rail systems to be used on the JRL.

Various types of rail systems will be used on the JRL. Within the depot, the track will be supported by ballast - similar to what is seen on the majority of the North-South & East-West Lines' tracks. On the viaducts, the JRL will use ballast-less technology, akin to that of the East-West Line's Tuas West Extension. At areas where vibrations are of concern, a floating slab technology which separates the track slab from the viaduct structure will be used. Dampers will support the track slab, absorbing shocks and vibrations as the trains roll past.

8 March 2025 - A rail vehicle belonging to CRFG on the main line Choa Chu Kang-bound track.

Since handover by contract J102 to CRFG, rails have begun installation works on the viaducts around Tengah Junction. From nearby vantage points, it is possible to see the sleepers and even rails laid on some of the viaducts. The works in this section are being carried out from a Temporary Staging Area (TSA) just across from Hong Kah station. This TSA is similar to the one that was recently reinstated at Marina Bay for the Circle Line 6's turnback tunnel.

5 December 2024 - The blue shed visible in front of the noise barrier, with the JRL viaduct behind.
This TSA is located across from Hong Kah station.

Thus far, there are approximately 4 TSAs that will support TRIP works for phase 1 of the JRL. These are located:

• Within the Tengah Depot work site
• Across from Hong Kah station
• Near JS2A station site/former pre-cast yard for contract J102
• The site of the former Pioneer Primary School, near Gek Poh station

An upcoming TSA is likely to be located near Tengah Park station that would support TRIP works for phase 2 of the JRL.

27 January 2025 - TSA near JS2A station site.

15 September 2024 - TSA at the site of the former Pioneer Primary School, near Gek Poh station.

27 January 2025 - TSA near Tengah Park station that will support TRIP works for JRL's phase 2.

As of the time of writing, it appears that only 2 of the TSAs have been fully set up and work commenced from them. These are the TSAs at Tengah Depot and across from Hong Kah. Evidence of rail installation can be seen from nearby vantage points.

8 March 2025 - An aerial view of Tengah Junction, showing the interface between the JRL's
eastern and western route main lines. Sleeper installation works can be seen in progress.

The easiest to see thus far are the tracks at the section of viaduct where the eastern route's main line splits off from the western route's. Here, rebar has been laid upon which sleepers are thereafter place atop. Welded rail sections will later be affixed to the sleepers before a concrete pour takes place to seal the sleepers in place to the viaduct anchors.

8 March 2025 - Rebar awaiting installation on the Tengah-bound track. Rails can be seen affixed
to the sleepers laid on the West Coast-bound track.

8 March 2025 - Another view showing the affixed running rails along the West Coast-bound track.
The anchor points on the viaduct are visible along the Tengah-bound track.

It certainly is exciting to see the line achieve another milestone as it progresses towards completion from 2027. Due to the line's elevated nature, we'll be able to view TRIP work progress as the works extend further on. We hope that this post has been able to provide you with an update on the progress and allowed you to better understand how the rails are laid.

This post will be available on Instagram & Facebook on 19 March 2025.