Plans for Johor-S’pore rapid transit system in final stages

Posted on 2 May 2013 | Comments Off on Plans for Johor-S’pore rapid transit system in final stages

Outgoing Johor Chief Minister Abdul Ghani Othman says plans for the rapid transit system (RTS) linking Johor and Singapore are in their final stages.

Speaking to reporters in Singapore, Mr Abdul Ghani said both the Singapore and Malaysia governments will finalise the costing and design of the system by the end of this year.

He added that it is also important to think about a single customs immigration and quarantine (CIQ) complex to further accelerate the movements of people between the two countries.

Mr Abdul Ghani travelled by bus from Gelang Patah in Johor to Jurong East bus interchange in Singapore.

It was his first time travelling on the Causeway Link bus and he noted that the journey took more than an hour.

Mr Abdul Ghani believes the rapid transit system will help commuters cut their travelling time between Johor and Singapore substantially.

It will also reduce traffic congestion.

The RTS is scheduled for completion by 2018.

Source : CNA – 2 May 2013

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BCA awards for seven buildings for design and safety

Posted on 1 May 2013 | Comments Off on BCA awards for seven buildings for design and safety

Seven buildings have been conferred the Design and Engineering Safety Excellence Awards and merit commendations by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).

The award recognises engineers for their exemplary design feats and high safety standards in the structural design, construction and maintenance of buildings.

Engineers for the ArtScience Museum were among the winners.

The building, resembling a lotus flower, has a unique three-dimensional structure comprising two levels and 10 petals of varying heights and widths spaced evenly on a radial axis.

The engineers designed a rational and simple way of holding and balancing the structure in space.

Engineers on the National University of Singapore (NUS) Link Bridge project also won the award.

Measuring 274 metres in length, the bridge connects the Kent Ridge campus to University town and spans 10 busy traffic lanes of the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE).

The bridge was constructed with pre-cast technology where bridge segments were cast off-site and transported for assembly on-site during off-peak hours.

This enhanced safety and eliminated the need for temporary structures and road closures during the day.

Engineers for two other projects – Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) College Central – were given the award for adopting highly efficient engineering approaches to meet architectural and functional requirements, while enhancing productivity, site safety and quality.

Engineers for three projects were given the merit commendation for Downtown Line Phase 1, Volari at Balmoral Road and The Residences at W Singapore.

Source : CNA – 1 May 2013

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