Temporary Enclosure for the Light Rail Reserve at Tuen Mun

The project involved the construction of an enclosure of about 600 m long at the Light Rail reserve along Castle Peak Road - Lam Tei Section. The enclosure would be used to protect the Light Rail track during the construction of the viaduct for West Rail.

Environmental Concern

As construction of the enclosure was within 2 m of the LRT overhead electrical equipment, isolation of such equipment was necessary for safety reason. The works therefore could only be carried out during the non-traffic periods of Light Rail, i.e. 0130 - 0430 hours. The nearest Noise Sensitive Receiver was about 25 m away from the construction site. Noise arising from the construction works during mid-night was the major concern.

Measures Adopted

Administration and Quiet Method - To accommodate the site constraint, a 50-tonne mobile crane was used instead of an 80-tonne one to reduce the noise impact. Furthermore, 12 movable baffles, each with a height of 3.6 m and comprised of sound absorbing material and steel backing, were provided to screen the engine of the crane from the noise sensitive receivers. A noise reduction of 8 dB(A) was reported in the use of these baffles. The engine of the lorry, which was only used to transport equipment to the site, was switched off when not in use. An agreement was also reached for making delivery in the daytime whenever possible. Sound baffles were extensively provided to machines, such as the generator for lighting provision.

Communication - The contractor also met with the local village representatives and district council members to explain the need of night-time works. They also kept the residents informed of the programme and progress of the construction works.

Observations & Achievements

The noise impact arising from the construction works was minimised with good communication with the public, there was no noise complaints received despite the works were conducted at mid-night for a period of 5 months.