Hong Kong’s new railway projects commence major construction works

SOUTHEAST ASIA CONSTRUCTION13 May 2024

Carl Devlin, MTR’s Capital Works director (left) and Walter Lam, MTR’s project manager for Tuen Mun South Extension and Hung Shui Kiu Station, have given updates on the new railway projects.

The Hung Shui Kiu Station on the Tuen Ma Line is the first station to be built on an operating viaduct. Relevant preparation works, including the removal of parapet walls on the viaduct, have already commenced.

Cable diversion and piling works are currently underway at the Oyster Bay Station, one of the new railway projects in Hong Kong.

Turnout installation and track diversion works are being carried out in the east section of the Tung Chung Line Extension.

Mr Devlin said the majority of the new railway projects involve construction works on operating railway lines, which increase the complexity and challenges of the works.

railway Hong Kong MTR Corporation

MTR Corporation has provided progress updates on the new railway projects in Hong Kong, including the major civil works commencing progressively this year and relevant planning and project management measures to lay a solid foundation for the construction peak in the next few years.

Following statutory approvals, the Tung Chung Line Extension, Kwu Tung Station on the East Rail Line, Tuen Mun South Extension and Oyster Bay Station have commenced construction progressively since mid-2023. Major construction works for the Hung Shui Kiu Station on the Tuen Ma Line are also expected to start within this year, while planning and design works for other projects are ongoing.

The major civil works for this year include:

A). Oyster Bay Station: cable diversion and piling works

Modifying the Siu Ho Wan Depot and maintaining its operation while conducting large-scale advance works, such as construction of cable bridges atop the operating lines and cable diversion to vacate space for piling works.

B). Tung Chung Line Extension: turnout installation, track diversion and tunnel boring works

Adding the new Tung Chung East Station between Sunny Bay and Tung Chung stations by realigning the existing track sections, and installing turnout and other equipment to divert the Tung Chung Line northward in phases and connect with new tracks in future and a new station.
Construction of a tunnel extending the existing Tung Chung Station westward to the new Tung Chung West Station. This underground tunnel is being built using a tunnel boring machine (TBM) to minimise the impact to nearby residents.

C). Kwu Tung Station on the East Rail Line: bulk excavation

Carrying out large-scale excavation works layer by layer atop the operating tunnels of the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line while maintaining the stability of the tunnel structures and normal train operations.

D). Tuen Mun South Extension: piling and foundation works along Tuen Mun River

Piling and foundation works along the Tuen Mun River for construction of a new viaduct and A16 Station.
Tying in with the dry season for commencement of works and ensuring that the normal river operation is not affected during construction.

E). Hung Shui Kiu Station on the Tuen Ma Line: removal of viaduct parapet walls before the main works begin

Cutting and removing 140 parapet wall segments one by one on both sides of the viaduct while maintaining railway safety and normal operations for the Tuen Ma Line.

“2024 marks a significant year for railway network extension with major civil works commencing progressively for various projects. Pushing forward the new railway projects as scheduled and maintaining safe and reliable train operations at the same time is the primary objective of the Capital Works team,” said Carl Devlin, Capital Works director at MTR Corporation. “The team is leveraging our extensive experience and striving for excellence to maintain our robust and comprehensive project management on projects delivery.”

Mr Devlin further pointed out that the majority of the new railway projects involve construction works on operating railway lines. The works include the extension and construction of new tracks and construction of new stations, which increase the complexity and challenges of the works. In addition, the team has to make good use of the ‘golden two hours’ working window during non-traffic hours and maintain close coordination with the operations maintenance team to avoid impacting on routine railway maintenance.

To facilitate multiple works for the new railway projects taking place on existing railway sections, the project team began its preparations at an early stage with prudent planning, cautious risk management and meticulous working procedures in order to push forward the projects. New and innovative ideas, technologies and techniques are also being introduced to enhance the quality and efficiency of the works. These measures include adjusting and allocating the work procedures flexibly to maximise working hours, commencing the preparation works in a timely manner, as well as formulating appropriate work plans by incorporating innovative technologies tailored to specific project features.

Supporting the blueprint for Hong Kong’s development, the new railway projects will enhance the development of new communities and the connectivity of existing communities upon completion. These projects are also expected to provide more than 20,000 railway construction and related job opportunities.

All images: MTR Corporation

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