SMRT to Implement Early Closure between Ang Mo Kio and Admiralty MRT stations from 15 April 2014

To facilitate the replacement of 188,000 sleepers across its 131km rail network, SMRT will be ending train services at six North-South Line MRT stations 30 minutes earlier at 12.30am on Sunday to Thursday nights* from 15 April 2014 to end October 2014 (except for eve of public holidays). The six stations are Ang Mo Kio, Yio Chu Kang, Khatib, Yishun, Sembawang and Admiralty and they account for more than 30,000 sleepers, 20% of all the sleepers along the North-South East-West Lines which need to be replaced.

SMRT seeks the support, patience and understanding of commuters. The early closure will help enhance system reliability and offer smoother rides. Thirty minute-closures on weekday nights will enable SMRT to deploy machinery more efficiently to accelerate replacement works. It will also contribute to quicker implementation of other key projects such as re-signalling and future third rail replacement.

SMRT has expanded its heavy machinery fleet to 12 Road Rail Vehicles and has sped up the production and shipment of sleepers. More technicians and engineers are also being hired to fast track sleeper replacement works. As of February 2014, about 13% of the 188,000 sleepers along the North-South East-West Lines have been replaced. This number is expected to increase to 30%, when works along the six stations are completed.

Commuters who board trains after 11.40pm on the North-South Line are advised to plan their journey and consider alternative transport arrangements, such as bus services, to get to their final destination. This includes those on the north-bound train headed towards Jurong East, as well as those on the south-bound train headed towards Ang Mo Kio. To help plan their journeys, commuters may refer to the Land Transport Authority’s Public Transport@SG site, http://www.publictransport.sg.

The sleeper replacement schedule is updated regularly on SMRT’s corporate website at:  http://www.smrt.com.sg/SMRTMe/ServiceEnhancements/CurrentUpcomingProjects.aspx

*Note: Sunday night extends to pre-dawn Monday while Thursday night extends to pre-dawn Friday

Please download the attachment for Appendix and Fact Sheet

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About the SMRT Sleeper Replacement Programme

Sleepers form a critical component of a railway system. They are rectangular pieces of timber or concrete that support the rails upon which the train wheels run. The rise in ridership and increased train services have put added stress on the existing railway system. To keep Singapore on track for the future, SMRT has embarked on a nationwide sleeper replacement programme since November 2012 to change 188,000 sleepers across the North-South and East-West Lines. The sleeper replacement programme will increase train service capacity and allow for a smoother journey. With the introduction of heavy machinery and more manpower, the programme is slated for completion in 2016, three years ahead of its original schedule.