Hard rocks, water seepage: LTA flags unexpected construction challenges along North-South Corridor
LTA will update the completion timeline in due time.
The construction of Singapore's North-South Corridor (NSC) is facing unforeseen challenges as the project advances into its most intricate engineering stage, according to the Land Transport Authority (LTA). In the Novena area, tunnelling crews have encountered a combination of hard rocks and softer clay, deviating from the soft clay material initially expected.
Similarly, in Thomson, the hard rock layer was closer to the surface than anticipated, with sizable boulders also discovered, causing delays. The LTA disclosed these issues during a media briefing on September 8, noting that such conditions were only detected during excavation after earlier investigations were hampered by live traffic, utility networks, and existing MRT infrastructure.
The NSC is being built in close proximity to operational rail lines, major roads, utility lines, and densely populated areas. While the LTA has stated they are monitoring progress and will provide an updated completion timeline, the engineering challenges are expected to keep the project on track for phased completion beginning in 2027, with the northern viaduct and road tunnel ready by 2029.
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