Residents of Ang Mo Kio are complaining about the noise from the MRT construction

It was way past midnight.

Therefore, why was Block 424 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 still under construction?

The noise was described as “totally unbearable” by one resident.

“This has been the same every night from Monday to Saturday for over a month,” Stomp contributor Vincent wrote, attaching a video of two cranes that were still in operation at 3.30 a.m.

Every night, earplugs are required for the family member who stays in the front rooms. To go asleep, my daughter needs to be extremely exhausted.”

Along with the picture, he posted was of his neighbor blocking out the racket by leaning a mattress up against a window.

The North-South Line’s Ang Mo Kio MRT station is directly across the street from where the Stomp contributor resides.

The upcoming Cross-Island Line is the purpose of the construction.

A Land Transport Authority (LTA) representative responded to a Stomp inquiry by saying, “LTA is currently carrying out diaphragm wall construction works for the Cross Island Line-Ang Mo Kio interchange station.”

When building a diaphragm wall, a large volume of concrete is poured into the excavated area to form the wall structure. This process requires deep excavation.

“For safety reasons, these works must be carried out continuously to prevent any collapse of cut trench walls and ensure the stability of the surrounding ground and building structures,” stated the spokesperson.

“We are aware that the nearby residents may experience some disruption and inconvenience as a result of these works. We have already explained the nature of these important works to the residents through door-to-door engagements and circulars.

“In addition, we have put in place a series of noise mitigation measures, such as the installation of noise barriers and localised noise shields around the machines as well as work zones.”

The spokesperson went on to say that precautions have also been taken to reduce machinery movement at night.

By the end of this month, the current phase of diaphragm wall construction near the Stomp contributor’s block should be finished.

The LTA spokesperson stated, “We seek residents’ understanding on this matter.”

“We will continue to work closely with our contractors to make further adjustments if needed.”

The National Environment Agency (NEA) has established maximum allowable noise levels for construction work near various types of buildings based on the day of the week and time of day in order to reduce noise pollution.

Between 10 p.m. on Saturdays and the eve of public holidays and 7 a.m. on the Mondays that follow or the days after public holidays, no construction work is permitted.

On certain Sundays and public holidays, construction sites in the architectural or project completion stage are permitted to conduct quieter work; however, contractors must apply for a permit from the NEA in order to do so.