The award, also known as the Martin Barnes Awards, recognises excellence in project delivery and showcase examples of good practice through collaboration from across the world.

NEC contracts promote collaboration, fair dealing and good management, supporting even the most high-risk and complex projects to be delivered on time, within budget and without litigation.

CKR is a dual three-lane carriageway with a total length of 4.7km, linking Yau Ma Tei Interchange of West Kowloon with Kai Tak Development Area and road network of Kowloon Bay, forming a trunk road across central Kowloon.

As a major highway to strategically bypass traffic from the densely populated area to resolve daily road congestion in Hong Kong, CKR will contribute significant environmental and economic benefits and realise sustainability by reducing travel time, accident rates, air pollution, traffic noise and congestion. Being a 50:50 partnership, the JV has provided full detailed design consultancy and construction supervision services for the highway and tunnel project.

Constructing such a massive, complex project in the bustling, densely populated area of Kowloon is no easy feat. By fully embracing and implementing the NEC contract procedures, our JV has established mutual trust with a truly collaborative approach. This allows us to effectively communicate and seamlessly work with subconsultants and contractors to advance problem-solving and achieve the best outcomes.

Upon its anticipated commissioning in 2025, the journey time between Yau Ma Tei and Kowloon Bay during peak hour is expected to shorten from 30 minutes to about five minutes.

Throughout the collaboration, we endeavour to find common grounds on concrete approaches and harness our creativity and professionalism on this long and challenging journey. 

Ken Chan

Director, Arup