SMRT to kick off sleeper replacement along North-South Line

Work will be started 26 November.

According to a release, Phase One of SMRT’s sleeper replacement programme will commence on 26 November2012 along stretches of the North-South Line.

The sleeper replacement programme is at the core of the on-going upgrading and renewal of our ageing MRT system. As ridership on our trains has increased significantly over the last decade and continues to rise vis-à-vis an increasing demand for higher train frequency, it is important and essential to ensure that our tracks are upgraded so that commuters can continue to enjoy a safe and comfortable ride.

Sleeper replacement has been a regular feature of our regular track maintenance regime. In fact, about 4,100 timber sleepers along both the North-South and East-West Lines have been replaced since January 2012.

The overall sleeper replacement programme, which covers about 131 kilometres of tracks along both lines involving the replacement of about 188,000 sleepers, is expected to be completed in 2019.

With the start of the programme, commuters can look forward to a smoother and even more comfortable ride on our MRT system in the near future.

Phase One of the programme will involve replacing about 6,290 timber sleepers along 4.4 kilometres of tracks of the North-South Line between Kranji and Yishun stations.

To avoid any disruption caused to commuters and residents, replacement works will be done only during non-passenger service hours on weekdays, usually between 1am and 4.30am, and normally between only two stations each night.

To minimise inconveniences, replacement works will be kept along most sections to no more than six to eight weeks.

Some noise will be generated during the works as they involve the use of heavy machinery, moving of extremely heavy equipment and materials, and works such as welding and tamping.

SMRT said they are also exploring different ways to complete the works in the most efficient and least disruptive manner, including the possibility of starting or/and ending train services later or earlier respectively, during selected weekends. These planned closures will be publicised in advance.