Complex drill+blast award for Leighton/CSCE 12 Jul 2016

The Leighton/China State Construction Engineering (CSCE) Joint Venture is awarded A$1.58 billion (HK$9 billion) construction of the Tseung Kwan O–Lam Tin (TKO–LTT) twin running highway tunnel in Hong Kong.

Fig 1. Alignment of the 2.2km TKO–LTT link in Hong Kong

Scope of works for the tunnel contract includes construction of a 2.2km dual two-lane highway tunnel together with associated slip roads, branch tunnels, viaducts and tunnel portal facilities (Fig 1). The works also involve the delivery of two ventilation buildings and an administration building, as well as implementation of all associated building and supporting works.

Works will commence in July 2016 and take approximately five years to complete.

The complex excavation will be by drill+blast through a number of fault zones, and the contractor will be required to strictly control the levels of explosives and to use roof-over meshes, vertical screens and protective cages to prevent the possibility of flyrock. In some locations, including the area that lies within 50m of the Eastern Harbour Crossing, the contractor is required to use a non-blasting method for the excavation works.

The Leighton Asia-led joint venture project, of which Leighton Asia has a 51% share, is expected to generate revenue to its parent company CIMIC of approximately A$805 million (approximately HK$4.6 billion).

Fig 2. Wider scheme ties in with Eastern Harbour Crossing and Cross Bay Link

The Tseung Kwan O–Lam Tin Tunnel is intended to meet the traffic demand arising from the anticipated population increase in Tseung Kwan O through the future development of the district. The tunnel is part of a wider scheme 4.2km highway scheme that includes the construction of both land and marine viaducts to create a connection between the Cross Bay Link and the Eastern Harbour Crossing (Fig 2). A branch tunnel will create a direct connection to the Eastern Harbour Crossing.

CIMIC Group Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Marcelino Fernández Verdes said: “Delivering large infrastructure projects in busy urban areas is a core capability for Leighton Asia. We value the opportunity to contribute our civil engineering capabilities to accommodate future growth through the expansion of infrastructure in such a fast growing city.”

Leighton Asia Managing Director Manuel Alvarez Munoz said: “Leighton Asia has developed strong working relationships with both our JV partner, China State, and with our client, the Hong Kong Government. Through continued delivery of infrastructure that enhances Hong Kong’s transport systems, we are in a good position for future work.”