Tanah Merah MRT Viaduct May Be Converted Into an Elevated Green Corridor

Tanah Merah MRT viaduct may be turned into elevated green corridor

Currently, Tanah Merah MRT station has two platforms and three train tracks. The station’s name is derived from the local Malay language meaning “red earth”. The station is also the terminus of the Changi Airport branch line, which will eventually be converted into the Thomson-East Coast Line. During this phase, the Tanah Merah station will be refurbished to include a third platform. This will allow trains to travel from Tanah Merah to Pasir Ris and from Pasir Ris to Changi Airport.

The station is also undergoing enhancement works to accommodate the future transfer of trains to the Thomson-East Coast Line. These include a new platform for trains to Pasir Ris and an extra track. This will improve waiting times at the station. Also, the station’s code will be changed from “EW4” to “CG” in 2021. This will allow the station to be a terminus for the Thomson-East Coast Line and will be the first elevated MRT interchange in Singapore.

The idea of converting the viaduct into a green space isn’t a new one. Many other cities around the world have successfully converted decommissioned rail lines into green spaces. For instance, New York has the High Line, a 2.3km elevated public park that runs along a disused freight rail line. Other than reusing existing infrastructure, this project also has the potential to convert parts of the road below into car-free zones. The Land Transport Authority has been working with the National Parks Board to assess the feasibility of the plan.

In addition to repurposing the viaduct, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has also been calling for tenders for improvements to the Changi region. The agency has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Global Centre of Rail Excellence to build capabilities for train testing centres in Singapore and the United Kingdom. It’s hoped that this initiative will make Singapore one of the top train testing centres in the world. The plan also includes the construction of 3.5km of new cycling paths along Tanah Merah Coast Road.

According to the LTA, the simplest and most obvious is to convert the Tanah Merah MRT viaduct into an elevated green corridor. In fact, it’s the only way to do it. This is because the viaduct is too narrow to be utilized for other purposes. For example, a solar panel installation along the viaduct would need to be studied in order to determine whether or not it will adversely affect the nearby train operations. This is especially true if the new tracks are also used by regular EWL trains. However, it may be possible to build one or two storeys above the viaduct to create a space of its own.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will also be constructing a new MRT track that runs parallel to the old one. This will allow trains to travel from Tanah Miah station to Simei MRT station without having to transfer tracks. The new track will be part of the Thomson-East Coast Line extension, which will link Sungei Bedok station with Changi Airport. It is expected that this extension will be completed by 2024.

Jurong Pioneer JC to be built at site of former Pioneer JC

The Jurong Pioneer JC (JPJC) will be redeveloped on the former site of Pioneer JC and will be closer to the Jurong Lake District. It will also be accessible via the Jurong Region MRT Line. The three existing JCs will be upgraded as well. According to Mr Ong, the new JCs will be equipped with digital technologies and modular seminar rooms.

Pioneer Junior College gained ground in 2004 with the opening ceremony officiated by the Acting Minister for Education. In 2005, Mr Kwek Hiok Chuang, the founding Principal of the PJC, stepped down and Mrs Tan-Kek Lee Yong took over. The Sirius Scholars’ Programme also opened doors for the Pioneers.

The government is planning to rebuild or upgrade four junior colleges in the next five years. The first phase of the revamping programme will take place in 2022. The second and third phases will include the rebuilding of Tampines Meridian JC and the Victoria JC. The plan also involves upgrading the government-aided JCs. The new colleges will cater for the needs of the future generation.

Jurong Innova JC to relocate to Woodlands

Jurong Innova JC is set to relocate to Woodlands as URA reduces Anderson Serangoon JC land area by one-third. The move to Woodlands will help students and families in the surrounding neighbourhoods to better access schools and public services. The new school will provide a more inclusive education for its students.

Jurong Innova JC, which is currently situated on Yishun Ring Road, will relocate to a new campus in Woodlands. The former Innova JC campus was set up in 2005. The new campus will be furnished and the new location will be closer to the Thomson-East Coast MRT line.

The project will affect six schools, including two primary schools and two secondary schools. It will also affect four junior colleges. According to the MOE, construction works for two of these schools will be delayed by one to two years. In the meantime, the existing three secondary schools will continue to operate at their current locations. However, the two new secondary schools will make necessary arrangements to make their campuses conducive to learning.