The Cross Bay Link (CBL) section of the Tseung Kwan O (TKO) project is a dual two-lane carriageway of approximately 1.11 miles (1.8 kilometers) connecting Tseung Kwan O – Lam Tin Tunnel (TKO–LTT) and Wan Po Road in Tseung Kwan O (TKO), one of the latest generations of new town development in Hong Kong with a population of about 400,000.
Completed in 2022, the CBL will help relieve traffic congestion within the TKO town center and along Wan Po Road, and minimize environmental impact on local residents. Upon the commissioning of TKO-LTT and the CBL, the journey time between TKO and Kowloon East will be reduced by about 20 minutes.
A project of many firsts, the CBL is the first marine crossing in Hong Kong combining the functions of carriageway, cycle track and footway in one bridge. The CBL connects to the cycle track network in TKO, forming a 3.1-mile (5-kilometer) long circular route along the coastline of Junk Bay. Adding to its symbolic and structural uniqueness, a landmark Eternity Arch was adopted for the centerpiece of the sea link. Two outward leaning arches and the gradually narrowing piers form an interconnected ring that resembles the mathematical symbol of infinity, reflecting the spirit of the vibrant town of TKO, filled with boundless energy and vigor.
The 656-foot (200-meter) double-arch steel bridge, which weighs about 9,843 long tons (10,000 tonnes) and is over 131.23 feet (40 meters) high, was prefabricated in Nantong, China, for around 1.5 years before delivery to site. It was then installed by the float-over method — a first in bridge construction in Hong Kong. Significant carbon reduction was achieved by using S690QL high-strength steel instead of conventional grade steel. Upon completion, it will be the longest steel arch bridge in Hong Kong, able to withstand super typhoons with wind speeds up to 320 kilometers per hour.
AECOM was appointed by the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) of the HKSAR Government in 2017 to provide a range of services for this iconic project, including detailed design of the entire sea link, site supervision and construction management. Dr. Robin Sham, AECOM’s global long span and specialty bridges director and a recipient of the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) honor, is the designer of the Cross Bay Link.
Awards:
- NEC Martin Barnes Awards 2024 – “Recognizing project excellence and innovation” Runner Up
- HKIE Structural Excellence Award 2023 – Grand Award, Infrastructures & Footbridges (Hong Kong) Category (External Video Link)
- HKIE Grand Award 2023 – Certificate of Merit, Infrastructure Category
- The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Awards 2021 – Brunel Medal Winner
- The Construction Industry Council (CIC) Construction Digitalisation Award 2021 – Gold