The Central-Wan Chai Bypass and Island Eastern Corridor Link (CWB) is a strategic highway along the north shore of Hong Kong Island, targeted to alleviate traffic congestion along the existing major roads. It connects the Rumsey Street Flyover in the west and the Island Eastern Corridor in the east, and will shorten journey time from Central to Island Eastern Corridor at North Point to just five minutes, as well as improve air quality from the diversion of traffic to the underground.

The 4.5 km long dual 3-lane highway boasts a 3.7km long tunnel constructed by cut-and-cover and mined tunnel methods. Tunneling for the dual three-lane carriageways is an incredible feat of engineering – a section of the tunnel, with a wide span of 50m, took place just 20m below the southern approach ramp of the Cross Harbor Tunnel (CHT), a vital element of Hong Kong’s traffic system, and was achieved without disruption to the 120,000 vehicles which pass through the tunnel every day, resulting in the deployment of the mined tunneling method for tunnel construction to minimize risks to the CHT.

CWB also features a ventilation system consisting of three ventilation buildings and overhead vent duct along the tunnel. Voted on by the community, the designs of the ventilation buildings and vent duct focus on the greening and enhancement of the urban environment.

Special features of CWB include the Air Purification System (APS), which have been set up to boost air quality, and purge smoke from the tunnel in the event of a fire. A Construction Modelling and Control Plan (CMC), a powerful virtual prototyping tool, is another special feature which was provided by AECOM to reduce risks and delays.

Major Awards:

  • Tunnel Project of the Year (over $500m) Award (2016) by New Civil Engineer (Journal of institution of Civil Engineer, United Kingdom)
  • Major Project of the Year 2016 of ITA Tunneling Awards
  • Considerate Contractors Site Award – Gold (2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012)
  • Innovative Safety Initiative Award – Bronze (2016) Merit (2015)

AECOM provided engineering, program management, and construction management services for this HK$36 billion project.