Infrastructure news in Metropolitan Ymca Singapore
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North-South Corridor enters toughest phase as hard rock and tight tunnels slow work
Singapore's North-South Corridor has entered its most technically demanding construction phase, with hard rock, groundwater and tight spaces slowing progress. At Novena, tunnelling passes within about 1m of the North-South Line, requiring smaller excavation sections and extra ground support. The 20km project includes an 8.8km viaduct and 12.3km tunnel, with the viaduct expected to open from 2027.
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LTA: North-South Corridor works hit hard rock and water seepage at Novena, Thomson
Singapore's Land Transport Authority said tunnelling for the North-South Corridor has run into unexpected ground conditions at Novena and Thomson, including hard rock and underground water seepage. At Novena crews are digging the northbound tunnel section by section just 1m below the operating North-South MRT line, while in Thomson harder rock was found about 10m closer to the surface than expected. LTA said it is monitoring progress and will update the completion timeline later; the corridor was previously slated to open in phases from 2027.
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HDB playground design guidelines take effect, Woodlands upgrades under way
Singapore's Housing Board released playground design guidelines in December 2025 setting mandatory features for playgrounds in new Build-To-Order estates and those being redesigned or upgraded, including HDB public parks. The rules group play into physical, creative and social categories, and the first playground built to them, the Kingfisher, is coming to 628 Woodlands Ring Road as part of an estate upgrade. Other Woodlands playgrounds, including a chicken-themed one at 619 Woodlands Drive 52 and a crab tower at 631 Woodlands Ring Road, are also planned.