Train services at some East-West line stations to end earlier

Train services at some East-West line stations to end earlier

Train services at some MRT stations on the East-West Line will end up to half an hour earlier than usual from Feb 14 to end-August to facilitate rail works.

The works will take place between Tanah Merah and Pasir Ris stations, and between Joo Koon and Jurong East stations, from Sundays to Thursdays, except on the eve of public holidays.

In a statement yesterday, rail operator SMRT advised commuters who board trains after 11.15pm on the East-West Line to consider alternative transport arrangements, such as bus services, from Feb 14.

To plan their trips, they can go to https://journey.smrt.com.sg

The early closure is to give SMRT more time to replace timber sleepers - used to hold the tracks in place - with more durable concrete ones.

This is the second phase of the rail works on the East-West Line, on which 92,000 timber sleepers will be replaced by next year.

The first phase, affecting stations between Bugis and Tanah Merah, started in November last year. SMRT has completed 26 per cent of sleeper replacement works along the East-West Line. The final phase, affecting stations between Jurong East and Outram Park, should be completed by next year.

Sleeper replacement work on the North-South Line was completed in April last year.

Mr Roger Lim, SMRT's programme director for track and infrastructure, said: "As we intensify the level of track renewal work undertaken each day, we are making every effort to minimise inconvenience to commuters even as we ensure that train services run smoothly every day.

"Speed restrictions have been kept in check to ensure that the trains run smoothly and travelling time is minimally affected."


This article was first published on January 9, 2016.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.