On 9 May 2025, AECOM attended the launch ceremony of Singapore’s largest tunnel boring machine (TBM) to date — a major milestone for the Cross Island Line Phase 2 project (CR202 Design&Build Contract), a part of the city’s expanding transit network.
With a diameter measuring 12.8 meters, this TBM is not only the largest ever deployed in Singapore, but it will also excavate the deepest tunnel in the country, reaching depths of up to 90 meters. It cut through 5 kilometers of underground soil and granite, with a 2-kilometer stretch beneath the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Once completed, this tunnel will connect the existing Bright Hill station to the upcoming Turf City station and the rest of the stations under Phase 2.
AECOM is the main consultant for the Obayashi-Shanghai Tunnel joint venture undertaking this project, with the Land Transport Authority as the ultimate client.
Our Singapore team is leading the design and construction support works for this transformative development slated for completion by 2032. AECOM`s scope includes mined, Cut-and-Cover, large diameter TBM tunnels, launching shaft, approx 60m deep facility building, architectural and M&E works, ground improvement, underpinning existing building, and interfaces with adjacent contracts. Once operational, the project will enhance public transportation access in western Singapore and support the nation’s long-term vision of having the majority of homes within a 10-minute walk to a train station.