No East-West Line MRT service between Tanah Merah & Tampines stations from Dec. 7-10, 2024

Due to track works on the East-West Line (EWL), train service will not be available between Tanah Merah and Tampines MRT stations from Dec. 7 to 10.

A shuttle bus will run between Tampines, Simei and Tanah Merah MRT stations during this period.

Train services at three other adjacent MRT stations will also be affected.

The service adjustment will allow for EWL tracks to be connected to the upcoming East Coast Integrated Depot (ECID), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SMRT said in a joint press release on Nov. 5.

The ECID is slated to open in 2026.

Track works to be carried out over 4 days

The release noted that about 80 metres of existing tracks, sleepers, and third rail will need to be removed along the existing EWL viaduct.

New tracks connecting to the ECID will also need to be installed, along with the third rail and power cables.

Finally, stringent testing of the signalling, power and communications systems will be conducted.

These works will be carried out over four days from Dec. 7 to 10, 2024.

Trains will not be able to operate along the affected segment of the EWL during this period for safety reasons.

"LTA has planned and completed all possible preparatory work beforehand, including the completion of the viaducts and other works to enable the connection of the tracks, in order to keep the overall duration of closure to the minimum necessary to complete the required works safely," the release stated.

Shuttle bus at 3 affected stations

From Dec. 7 to 10, a shuttle bus service (Shuttle 7) will run between Tampines, Simei and Tanah Merah stations, from the first train to last train timings.

It will run at a frequency of 3 to 5 minutes.

Fares for the shuttle bus service will follow the same fare structure as trains.

Shuttle trains at 5 EWL stations

The closure will also affect train service between Tampines and Pasir Ris stations, as well as between Tanah Merah and Changi Airport stations, LTA and SMRT said.

For example, eastbound trains from Tanah Merah to Pasir Ris would normally turn around to provide westbound service. They are not able to do so during the closure.

As such, shuttle trains will operate between Tampines and Pasir Ris stations, Tanah Merah and Expo stations, and Expo and Changi Airport stations.

They will run at intervals of five to 11 minutes.

During the closure, commuters can expect crowds at the affected MRT stations and bus stops and longer journey times.

Commuters passing through the affected EWL stations are encouraged to consider alternative routes via other MRT lines.

Station staff will be available at affected stations to assist commuters during this period.

More train service adjustments needed in 2025 & 2026

The agencies also provided an update on construction works for the ECID, which will house three train depots and one bus depot within a single site.

"When operational, the ECID will strengthen the resilience of our rail network by providing increased capacity for train launches and withdrawals, giving us greater ability to adjust service patterns and cope with disruptions," the release said.

Structural works for the ECID are almost complete.

The fitting of rail tracks and installation of electrical, mechanical and system services are ongoing.

SMRT and LTA noted that further train service adjustments will be required in 2025 and 2026 for installation works on the ECID and preparations for depot operations.

"We will continue to plan our works carefully to minimise the impact on commuters as far as possible, and will provide timely updates if any such service adjustments are needed," the agencies said.

Top image from Google.