Genoa, November 28, 2024 – During the 10th edition of the ITA Tunnelling and Underground Space Awards, Singapore achieved a significant milestone by securing third place in the “Major Project of the Year” category for projects exceeding €500 million. The accolade was awarded to the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) project, covering contracts T222-T310. This achievement highlights the successful completion of a 15 km stretch featuring 13 stations, as part of a 43 km fully automated MRT line with 32 stations.

The TEL project aims to enhance connectivity and reduce travel times across Singapore’s densely populated regions. The recognized section overcame significant challenges, including complex geological conditions and interference with existing infrastructure. To address these, cutting-edge solutions were employed, such as the deployment of 18 Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) and ground-freezing techniques to minimize impacts on the urban environment.

The award was received on behalf of Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) by Deputy Director (Tunnels) Mr. Massimo Marotta and his colleague Mr. Hendrie Bernard. The recognition celebrates the collaborative and coordinated efforts of the entire team, including contractors, consultants, and suppliers.

In the same category, the Thames Tideway Tunnel in London, designed to modernize the Victorian sewer system, won first place, while Grand Central Madison in New York, which significantly improved rail access to Manhattan, secured second place.

This year’s ITA Tunnelling Awards were held in Genoa as part of SIG’s 50th-anniversary celebrations. Organized by the Italian Tunnelling Society (SIG), the event also included the international conference, “Tunnels and Underground Works: Over the Last 5 Decades and Onwards,” scheduled for November 29-30, 2024. These events marked the 50th anniversaries of both the International Tunnelling Association (ITA) and SIG.

These achievements underline the importance of global collaboration and technical excellence in underground infrastructure, showcasing the contributions of professionals worldwide.

Below is the video including our presentation and the round table discussion!