On 25 May 2019, it was announced that the station will be incorporated into the Thomson–East Coast line (TEL), which is planned to extend to the airport's Terminal 5 by 2040.

[6][7] The alignment of the two-station branch, which included Expo station, was finalised through an announcement by Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 15 November 1996.

[23][24] Contract 922 for the design and construction of Expo station and the overrun tunnels was awarded to Samsung C&T Corporation for S$211.35million (US$168 million) in May 2011.

[28] The construction of the station also involved the underpinning of two existing Expo MRT viaduct pier foundations.

A transfer-beam was constructed before the excavation to support the two pillars and hydraulic jacks were installed on the transfer beam.

Expected to be completed in 2026, the extension was constructed in tandem with the adjacent East Coast Integrated Depot.

[47] The futuristic design is intended to reflect the country's willingness to experiment with new ideas and technology, symbolising the "thriving world-class city" that Singapore was projected to become in the 21st century.

[13][45] The DTL station design by Greenhilli utilises "interconnectivity, spatial volume, asymmetry, daylight, colour [and] super-graphics" to signify transition and movement.

[48] The station was praised for its "excellent design" for its "refined" detailing and ingenious usage of colours and textures, while fulfilling the "restrictive" demands around the area.

The large 3D artwork depicts two reflective isometric chairs and a bulbous speech balloon, which signifies not only the importance of communication during periods of technological advancement and digital media, but also the spirit of free trade.

With the surrounding colours of the station reflected in the artwork's shiny surfaces, it transformed them into two sets of "magnificent kaleidoscopes" which also symbolises cultural exchange.