Sleeper works replacement programme on North-South Line to be completed end-April

SINGAPORE - The sleeper replacement programme on the North-South Line (NSL) will be completed by the end of this month.

A joint statement issued by LTA and SMRT said that with all 96,000 timber sleepers replaced with concrete ones and speed restrictions lifted, commuters will enjoy faster and more comfortable train rides.

The sleeper replacement programme is part of a multi-year effort to improve commuter experience on the North-South and East-West Lines (NSEWL). Commuters can expect their journey times on the NSL to be significantly shortened.

Together with projects such as the replacement of the third rail, the upgrading of the signalling system and of existing trains, as well as the injection of new trains, the two agencies also said the reliability and availability of the network will be enhanced.

During the sleeper replacement programme, trains had to travel at slower speeds of around 40 to 60 km/hour on some stretches, to ensure the safety of passengers. With the completion of works and the lifting of the speed restrictions, the trains will now travel at about 80 km/h, shortening journey times by around 10 to 15 per cent .

With the additional deployment of 13 new trains and the tightening of the Operating Performance Standards last year, the number of weekly train trips on the NSEWL has increased by 10 per cent. Average wait times have come down from 2.5 minutes to 2.3 minutes, and from 5-7 minutes to 4-5 minutes, during peak and non-peak periods respectively.

Sleeper replacement works to commence on East-West Line

With works on the NSL nearing completion, sleeper replacement works on the East-West Line (EWL) will commence from mid-May 2015.

In total, more than 92,000 timber sleepers between Boon Lay and Tiong Bahru, as well as between Lavender and Pasir Ris, will be replaced with concrete sleepers. Works are expected to be completed by end-2016.

cynloh@sph.com.sg