On 25 January 2019, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced that Tampines North station would be part of the proposed Cross Island line (CRL). The station will be constructed as part of Phase 1 (CRL1), consisting of 12 stations between Aviation Park and Bright Hill. CRL1 was expected to be completed in 2029. However, the restrictions imposed on construction works due to the COVID-19 pandemic led to delays and the CRL1 completion date was pushed by one year to 2030.
Construction is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2022, with an expected completion date of 2030. Construction of the station required excavation into mixed ground conditions of marine clay and sandy and silty clay.
The contract for the construction of bored tunnels between this station and Defu station was awarded to Nishimatsu Construction Co Ltd on 8 November 2021 at S$446 million (US$326.9 million). As part of the contract, a facility building will be constructed to fulfil the electrical and mechanical requirements for the line. A large-diameter tunnel boring machine will be used to construct a tunnel with double tracks. Tunnelling through abrasive alluvium soil, the boring machine has to be closely monitored for wear and tear. Construction for these tunnels will start in December 2021. COWI/AS was also chosen to design tunnels between the two stations.
Station details
The station is built as part of Phase 1 of the Cross Island line. Its station code is “CR6”. The station has two sidings, one for each platform, and four exits.