Hong Kong's First "Horizontal Bridge Rotation Operation"
In the early morning of 29 September and 3 November 2024, the project team made use of the non-traffic hours of the East Rail Line to horizontally rotate the bridge structures, which had been constructed next to the railway tracks, to span across the railway lines within a short period. This historical successful bridge rotation operation in engineering sector in Hong Kong was witnessed by Ricky Lau, JP, Permanent Secretary for Development Bureau, Michael Fong, JP, the Director of Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD), Dr. Tony Lee, Operations & Innovation Director of MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL), together with representatives of other relevant government departments.
Construction of bridge structures next to the East Rail Line
Collaborative Safety Construction Planning
The construction of bridge rotation structures was planned and designed in detail. To overcome various site constraints, the project team drew on the experience of Mainland specialists on the bridge rotation method and monitoring. The introduction of advanced engineering technology from the Mainland, combined with local design standards, enabled the bridge structures to withstand the strong wind that may occur during the typhoon seasons in Hong Kong before rotation, and thus secured safety and stability throughout the construction process.
The project team also expressed gratitude to MTRCL for their full cooperation and support in providing professional advice and assistance in formulation of construction plan which safeguard the railway premises.
The successful use of bridge rotation method earmarked a significant milestone for the bridge construction technology in engineering sector in Hong Kong. The project team showcased their efforts to adopt innovative construction technology to overcome the difficulties of carrying out construction works within Hong Kong's congested urban environment. It has also accumulated valuable experience for application of the same technology on future infrastructure projects with similar constraints. The project team will continue to uphold professionalism in the remaining works in this project in order to build a better transportation network for the residents of the North District.
Why we use horizontal bridge rotation construction?
Part of the alignment of Fanling Bypass Eastern Section will span across the existing East Rail Line. The use of horizontal bridge rotation method can eliminate the need to carrying out heavy lifting works within the railway protection zone.
- The rotation work can be completed within one night, thereby significantly reduce the amount of night works and shorten the overall construction period
- Reduce construction risks to railway operation
- Save lifting costs
- Majority of the works can be carried out alongside the East Rail Line during daytime without interfering the railway operation
- Ensure safety and reliability