The opening of the North-South Corridor (NSC), a 21.5-kilometer highway connecting northern towns to the city, has been delayed by two years due to unforeseen construction challenges, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced on September 17. Originally slated for completion in 2027, the viaduct section between Admiralty West and Lentor Avenue will now begin opening in stages from 2029. The tunnel segment extending from Lentor Avenue to the East Coast Parkway is expected to open in phases starting 2031, two years later than initially planned.
The project, which commenced in 2018, has experienced setbacks primarily due to difficult ground conditions encountered at multiple sites. Groundwork for the 8.8-kilometer viaduct and 12.3-kilometer tunnel is more than 90 percent complete. Upcoming tasks involve installing above-ground structures such as columns and viaduct segments, while tunneling efforts will continue mostly underground from 2027 to reduce disruption to roads above.
Delays have been attributed to hard and unexpectedly high bedrock at Gambas Avenue and Woodlands Avenue 8, resulting in slower foundation work. Additionally, in Novena, the presence of broken rock and groundwater infiltration necessitated additional preparatory measures and the adoption of a more complex mining approach. This was critical to safeguarding the North-South MRT line, located just one meter from the NSC tunnels. In the Thomson area, harder rock formations required blasting and ground stabilization before excavation could proceed.
LTA emphasized that the construction timeline has been closely monitored and that it remains engaged with contractors to mitigate further delays. However, it has not ruled out the possibility of further schedule adjustments. The agency also noted that cost implications resulting from the delays would only be assessed upon project completion. According to LTA, contractors had accounted for construction risks, though they may submit claims for additional compensation if actual ground conditions vary significantly from baseline data provided during tendering. These claims will be evaluated in accordance with contractual terms.
During a site visit on September 15, reporters observed ongoing work in Novena where the NSC crosses the North-South MRT line. The two tunnel bores—northbound and southbound—are stacked vertically, with the MRT line situated between them. While the southbound tunnel is complete, excavation of the northbound tunnel is ongoing and conducted in two phases. The upper portion passes through softer, water-affected soil and is expected to be finished by 2026. The lower segment involves rock excavation using controlled blasting, a process projected to continue until 2028.
Once operational, the NSC is expected to alleviate congestion on the Central Expressway as well as major arterial roads such as Thomson and Marymount Roads. It will improve connectivity to new developments in Singapore's northern region and link key expressways including the Seletar Expressway, Pan-Island Expressway, and East Coast Parkway. The corridor is also designed to prioritize public transport, pedestrians, and cyclists, creating more space for community activities.
Meanwhile, construction has caused prolonged disruptions for local businesses and residents. Establishments along the route report decreased foot traffic and financial strain, while residents express the need to adapt to ongoing inconveniences.