Leighton JV wins Singapore rail contract

A joint venture between Leighton Asia and John Holland has been awarded an AU$ 130 million (US$ 140 million) Singapore rail project by the Singapore Land Transport Authority.

The contractors will build parts of downtown line stage 3, including the construction of 770 m of twin tunnels between the Sungei Road Station, which is to be built near the Rochor Canal in the eastern part of Singapore, and Bencoolen Station to the west, as well as constructing the four-level Sungei Road Station itself.

In its entirety, Downtown line stage 3 involves constructing a 21 km underground rail system comprising 16 stations. It will enhance rail connectivity in Singapore's eastern corridors to the Central Business District and developments in the Marina Bay area. With three interchange stations at MacPherson, Tampines and Expo, it will also connect commuters to the Circle Line and East West Line.

Hamish Tyrwhitt, managing director of Leighton, Asia, India and Offshore, said. "The Downtown Line Stage 3 contract is a significant win for us and reflects the joint venture's solid experience in tunnel construction, especially in urban environments".

Rob Muley, general manager of John Holland's tunnelling business, said the award highlights John Holland's depth of experience in underground construction.

"This new contract will draw from our considerable knowledge of major transport projects and our understanding of construction methodologies using tunnel boring machines. We look forward to the successful delivery of this project in partnership with Leighton Asia," Mr Muley said.

The joint venture's construction work is scheduled for completion in 2017.