MTRC Quarry Bay Congestion Relief Works

This project involved the construction of additional railway tunnel between Quarry Bay and Fortress Hill.

Environmental Concern

It consisted of the construction of a 6.3 m diameter, 2 km long twin-tube tunnel parallel to an existing underground railway tunnel under a densely populated area in North Point. Noise arising from round-the-clock tunnel-boring work was the major concern of the residents.

Tunnel boring work under residential area

Measures Adopted

Patrolling - Additional patrolling was conducted to ensure closing of tunnel shaft openings at night to reduce noise from underground work.

Administration - Specific complaint hotline and an Environmental Management System were set up by MTRC to ensure quick response to complaints.

Monitoring - Daytime noise level monitoring was conducting for the boring works through noise sensitive area. When the noise level during daytime was found to have exceeded the night-time noise limit, night work would be ceased.

Closing of tunnel shaft opening to reduce noise

Observations & Achievements

Part of the tunnel ran beneath the foundations of residential buildings. Through collaboration between the project client, the contractor and the noise control authority, a balance was struck between maintaining a tight construction schedule of infrastructure project and meeting with the community's desire for a tranquil environment.