Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section) honoured with two international geotechnical engineering awards
Two international honours reaffirm the project as a global benchmark in geotechnical engineering.
Last updated: 24th June 2026
The Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section) has received two prestigious international honours: the Outstanding Geotechnical Project Award from the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE), and the International Project of the Year at the GE Awards 2026, organised by Ground Engineering magazine, where the project stood out among seven other international finalists.
These latest accolades bring the project's total to over 140 industry awards to date — an extraordinary honour that reflects the dedication, technical excellence and collaborative spirit of the entire project team.
Both accolades are among the most respected global recognitions in geotechnical engineering. The ISSMGE Outstanding Geotechnical Project Award celebrates projects that demonstrate exceptional technical achievement, innovation and contribution to the advancement of geotechnical practice worldwide, while the Ground Engineering Awards are widely regarded as a benchmark of excellence within the international ground engineering community — making recognition in the International Project of the Year category a significant endorsement of leadership on the global stage.
International Project of the Year at the GE Awards 2026
Outstanding Geotechnical Project Award from the ISSMGE
A transformative corridor for Kowloon
Opened to traffic in late 2025, the Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section) is a 4.7-kilometre dual three-lane corridor connecting East and West Kowloon. At its heart is a 3.9-kilometre tunnel running beneath some of the most densely built-up districts of the city, anchored by two highly complex interchanges at either end.
The award-winning geotechnical work reflects how the team navigated highly variable ground conditions in one of Hong Kong's most complex urban settings. The main tunnel alignment runs through deep rock strata between 30 and 140 metres below ground, passing beneath service reservoirs, multiple operating railway lines, and more than 200 existing buildings.
A 370-metre underwater tunnel section between Ma Tau Kok and Kai Tak was completed using a temporary reclamation approach, with the seabed fully restored on completion and the Grade 2 historic Kowloon City Ferry Pier remaining operational throughout construction. Sustainable materials and smart management practices were applied across the works, with community interests remained at the heart of every decision.
Arup delivered comprehensive multidisciplinary services from design through to completion. This achievement is a testament to the close collaboration with our client, the Highways Department of the HKSAR Government, our joint venture partner Mott MacDonald, and the dedicated contractor teams who brought the project to life.
The award-winning Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section)
Receiving another two international accolades for the Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section) is a meaningful recognition of what disciplined engineering and genuine collaboration can achieve. Working beneath one of Hong Kong's most densely built environments demanded technical rigour at every stage, and the trust and dedication of every partner involved. I am proud of what the team has achieved together — a project that meets the highest international standards while responding directly to the local needs.
Roads and streets at Arup
Our team helps road agencies, asset owners and operators to fund, plan, build, operate and maintain sustainable road and street networks.
Learn more about Arup
A global consultancy shaping infrastructure, buildings, energy and sustainability for the built environment.
