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July 29, 2019

Opening of the Heung Yuen Wai Highway

The Heung Yuen Wai Highway in Hong Kong, which came into service on 26 May, 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: “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.