Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, is proud to have
contributed engineering excellence to the Heung Yuen Wai Highway in Hong Kong.
The major transport infrastructure project will promote the development of the
Greater Bay Area through enhanced connectivity for passengers and cargos alike.
The Heung Yuen Wai Highway, is an approximately 11-km dual two-lane
carriageway connecting the Fanling Highway and the Heung Yuen Wai Boundary
Control Point. The Heung Yuen Wai Highway is comprised of approximately 4.8-km
of the Lung Shan Tunnel, 0.7-km of the Cheung Shan Tunnel, and a 4.5-km viaduct
and 1-km at-grade roads. Atkins has been supporting Dragages Hong Kong Limited
as the detailed design consultant for the major design and build project of the
Lung Shan Tunnel section since 2013.
Ray Chan, Atkins’ project manager, said: “We are extremely
proud to have supported our long-term client with this strategic and challenging
transport project over the past 6 years. The project is unique and represents
many firsts for tunnelling in Hong Kong. Innovative design and close
collaboration were key to the success of the record-setting project.”
The 4.8 km Lung Shan Tunnel is the longest twin tube road
tunnel in Hong Kong. The project engaged the largest EPB (earth pressure
balance) TBM (tunnel boring machine) in Hong Kong, with a diameter of 14.1
metres. Following the breakthrough of the southbound tunnel section on 1 March
2017, the TBM went on to complete a 180-degree U-turn to start the construction
of the northbound section just three months later. It is the first time in Hong
Kong that a TBM has completed a U-turn in a specially-designed rock caverns
whereby the normal practice is to substantially dismantle the TBM prior to
being transported back and set up again at its original launching position.
This TBM U-turn operation allowed construction progress to remain in line with
the tight project programme, reducing construction costs and environmental
impact.
The project’s innovative approach for Hong Kong’s first
application of TBM U-turning method in underground rock caverns was recognised
by the ACEHK Annual Award 2018. The ACEHK Annual Award recognises projects that
prove to be the epitome of engineering excellence, incorporate ingenuity, and
take considerable measures to ensure sustainability. For further information
please visit https://www.atkinsglobal.com/en-GB/about-the-group
