Lim Soon Hui, Executive Director at AECOM, has been recognized with the BCA Design and Engineering Safety Award (DESA) for his work connecting the North-South Line (NSL) tunnels to the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) at Orchard. The award was presented by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) on October 22 at One Farrer Hotel Singapore. It recognizes significant contributions to design innovation and safety in Singapore’s construction industry.
Lim was one of only six recipients of the award this year, highlighting the importance of his role in the TEL Orchard Station project, which involved creating a connection between two key MRT lines in one of Singapore’s busiest areas. The project was carried out in a densely developed area with high traffic and nearby businesses, requiring careful planning to ensure minimal disruption while maintaining safety and structural integrity.
To overcome these challenges, the team implemented several innovative engineering techniques. A canopy of interlocking 1,200-millimeter diameter pipes allowed for safe excavation under Orchard Boulevard. A retractable micro-tunnel boring machine (M-TBM) reduced surface-level disruptions during tunneling. Custom steel pipe micro-piles with double flat jacks stabilized the NSL tunnel floor, while a low-headroom piling machine was used to drill into hard rock in tight spaces, ensuring efficient reinforcement and grouting.
The completed project resulted in a Paid-to-Paid Platform Link that allows commuters to transfer seamlessly between the TEL and NSL Orchard stations without leaving the station, improving connectivity and convenience in the area.
Lim has contributed to Singapore’s infrastructure for nearly 40 years, consistently delivering practical and resilient engineering solutions. His leadership on this project reflects his dedication to advancing urban infrastructure while maintaining safety and efficiency.
This recognition highlights AECOM’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure that supports Singapore’s urban development and improves the lives of its residents. For more information about our projects, visit https://aecom.com/projects/.