North-South Corridor Delayed to 2029 as Singapore Faces Ground Challenges

Singapore’s North-South Corridor will open two years later than originally planned. The Land Transport Authority said on September 17 that the 8.8km viaduct will now open from 2029 instead of 2027, while the 12.3km tunnel section will open from 2031 instead of 2029. Unexpectedly difficult ground conditions, including harder rock and underground water at key sites, forced LTA to adopt more time-intensive construction methods.

What caused the two-year delay

LTA encountered harder-than-expected rock formations and groundwater seepage at multiple locations. At Gambas Avenue and Woodlands Avenue 8, foundation piles took longer to complete because rock levels were higher and harder than planned. At Novena, fractured rock and water inflows beneath the operational North-South MRT line required a more precise mining method to excavate in smaller sections instead of direct tunnelling. LTA said this section has clearance as close as one meter between the new tunnel and the existing MRT line.

Construction progress and phased reopenings

More than 90 percent of foundation works for both the viaduct and tunnel were completed by August 2026. Construction is now progressing to above-ground structures like columns, crossheads and viaduct segments. From 2028, roads, footpaths and areas affected by construction will reopen in stages. Noise barriers will start coming down from 2028, and pedestrian overhead bridges will be reinstated from 2029. For technically complex sections near Thomson Road and the Pan Island Expressway interchange, reinstatement is expected from 2030.

The 21.5km corridor’s role in Singapore’s transport network

The North-South Corridor is designed to improve connectivity between northern towns including Sembawang, Yishun, Ang Mo Kio, Toa Payoh, Novena and Rochor, and the city centre. The project comprises an elevated viaduct and an underground tunnel section. LTA said the corridor will relieve traffic along Singapore’s north-south transport axis and major arterial roads. Construction began in 2018 and has progressed through foundation work to the more complex structural installation phase.

What this means for commuters and businesses

The delay extends disruption along the corridor but progressive reinstatement of roads and footpaths from 2028 will ease conditions before the full opening. Businesses and residents in affected areas face at least three more years of construction activity. Once operational, the corridor is expected to significantly reduce travel times between the north and city, though the exact impact on property values and business activity remains uncertain until the viaduct opens in 2029.

Final Thoughts

The two-year delay reflects the engineering complexity of building major transport infrastructure in a densely developed city. Investors and businesses should factor the extended timeline into long-term planning for northern Singapore developments.

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