Planning Stage
During this stage, LTA works closely with other agencies,
such as the Urban & Redevelopment Authority (URA) and the Housing
& Development Board (HDB). Their views are sought to determine the
route of the MRT line. Once this is done, we will then identify the best
alignment from an engineering perspective.
Various investigations are carried out to find out more about the ground conditions and buildings along the route where construction will take place. These include soil investigation, building foundation assessment, trial trenching to identify locations of public utilities and services, survey of buildings and preliminary design and risk assessment.
Taking into account local site conditions and potential problems that may arise, an appropriate construction method can thus be decided upon. As such, tenderers will be able to provide a realistic bid for the project.
Prior to calling tender for major projects, LTA has a process to pre-qualify contractors based on their track record. Here, we take into account financial capability, technical expertise, project management capability as well as Quality and Safety management capability. This is to ensure that whoever wins the contract has the resources, technical expertise and experience to deliver the project on time, without compromising on safety.
During this stage, technical and commercial evaluations are carried out by two separate committees. They take about four months to complete the review.
The technical sub-committee looks into the contractor’s technical competence, the design proposal, the construction methodology, the safety measures, the construction programme and other electrical and mechanical co-ordination considerations.
Meanwhile, the commercial sub-committee evaluates the pricing, qualifications on contract terms and the financial capability of the tenderers.
The tender process thus involves a thorough review to ensure that the contract is awarded to the contractor who meets all the criteria, gives the best value for money in terms of quality and performance and is able to complete the works. We would like to assure the public that not all of our projects are awarded to the lowest bidders.
For “Design and Build” contracts, contractors are required to develop their designs based on the concepts and approaches proposed in the tender. In addition, they are also required to carry out a detailed assessment of the risk factors to ensure that all potential risks in the project are properly addressed before construction commences. This risk assessment takes into account measures to protect nearby buildings, protection of public utilities, instrumentation requirements and method of construction.
A Review Board, comprising internationally renowned experts and professionals in the field of deep underground construction work, is also called in to advise and assist us. The Board reviews the adequacy of the contractor’s technical proposals and, when necessary, makes recommendations to improve the design, safety and construction method.
Apart from safety considerations at the tender and design stages, there is also much emphasis on safety during the construction stage. Here, we work closely with the contractor at site to ensure the safe implementation of the construction works in line with the proposals and programme.
There is also a system of checks and inspections to
ensure that the engineering designs and plans are accurately relayed to
the construction team. The project is then constructed according to the
specifications and designs. The contractors are also required to brief
their workers on a daily basis and inform them of key safety factors to
comply to.
