By nature, underground mass transit construction in high density areas generally necessitates working at or near major road intersections for station construction, for which the open cut and cover construction method is employed. Whilst tunnel boring is usually done without any disturbance to the surface, the route generally runs underneath existing major roads and requires work to be done to surface features obstructing the tunnel passage such as underground utilities, bridges and overpass structures. The impact on traffic is therefore a prime consideration and needs meticulous planning and close coordination with many agencies.

As a result of coordination and cooperation of all concerned parties, MRTA is proud to report that traffic management has been carried out to the satisfaction of all, particularly the public, with a very low incidence of traffic complaints to date.

Some construction activities cause surface vibration, such as piling, excavation and removal of buildings. However, the impact on neighbouring structures is deemed to be very slight since the route corridor is along a major road lined with large commercial and office buildings on deep piled foundations. Private residences are generally some distance from the corridor and the impact on the nearby residents is usually limited to annoying disturbances. The vibration caused by tunnel boring occurs at the depth of the boring, and is mostly cushioned by the soil.However, in order to minimize the impact, MRTA has required the contractor to select the method of construction which causes least vibration and also to strictly control the operation of equipment causing vibration.