The number of bicycle parking spaces further increased through the National Cycling Plan in 2010.

After the Branch line (from the Jurong East to Choa Chu Kang stations) opened in 1990, the Woodlands MRT line was envisioned so as to connect between Yishun and Choa Chu Kang stations.

[11][12] In November 1992, however, the station's construction was brought forward to serve more residents moving into the Woodlands area.

[12][13] The contract for the construction of Sembawang station, along with the Marsiling, Admiralty and Woodlands stations and 8.7 kilometres (5.4 miles) of track work, was awarded to a joint venture between Hyundai Engineering and Koon Construction and Transport Co in December 1992 at a contract sum of S$233.1 million (US$143.1 million).

[15] Then-communications minister Mah Bow Tan made a few visits to the station site, first in May 1993[16] and on 13 January 1996.

[32] The station is integrated with other transportation modes, with longer sheltered bus bays of 36 m (118 ft) that can accommodate up to three buses alongside taxi stands.