Four metro tunnels are completed in Hong Kong

Dragages Hong Kong has built one of Hong Kong’s most technically challenging series of tunnels – part of the 6km extension of the ongoing Sha Tin to Central Link works from Hung Hom to the Admiralty transit hub on Hong Kong Island.

The main scope and challenges of the project were to construct four tunnels using tunnel boring machines (TBM) beneath the city’s busiest districts.

The project was part of the 6km extension of the East Rail Line works from Hung Hom to the Admiralty transit hub. Dragages bored two Eastern tunnels 680m in length, and two Western tunnels 480m in length, an MTR Corporation-commissioned project finishing this year.

Meticulous planning was required to guide the TBMs through pile obstructions and utilities underneath the city without disrupting services.

To cope with the complex geological conditions, two different types of TBMs were employed: a slurry TBM and a hybrid Variable Density Slurry/Earth Pressure Balanced TBM.

The construction of the South Ventilation Building demanded particular care, as tunnel works and the ventilation facility required the demolition and reprovisioning of the Police Officers’ Club.