Jerman Cheung
East Asia Press Office,Hong Kong
After more than six years of design and construction, Hong Kong West Drainage Tunnel (HKWDT), the city’s longest facility of its kind, goes into operation.
The commissioning ceremony was held yesterday with representatives from the government, consultant and contractor taking part.
As the lead consultant to the Drainage Services Department (DSD), Arup carried out the design, pre-qualification, tender and construction supervision for the HKWDT which will greatly alleviate flooding risks in Central and Western District and Wanchai District thus minimising traffic disruption and disturbance to the public caused by flooding.
HKWDT sets numerous records and firsts for the city. It is the first one to use raise boring method extensively for dropshaft excavation in Hong Kong. Furthermore, the two tunnel boring machines (TBM) used for excavation of the main tunnel, at 7.2m and 8.3m diameter, are the largest in Hong Kong. To shorten the construction period, TBM excavation and adit blasting were carried out concurrently – yet another first for Hong Kong. These innovative techniques not only helped keep the project on schedule, but also minimised the impact on residents, traffic and the environment during construction and created a safer working environment.