Fanling Bypass Eastern Section featuring Hong Kong’s first bridge rotation

Addressing over-the-rail construction challenges

© Civil Engineering and Development Department, HKSAR

A key challenge of the project was constructing a vehicular bridge across an active railway line serving over 500,000 passengers daily, while contending with major underground utilities. Traditional segment erection methods would have required heavy lifting operations within limited night time windows, posing high operational risks.

To overcome these constraints, the team implemented the innovative horizontal bridge rotation method. A 140-meter-long bridge section, weighing more than 7,000 tons (about 470 double decker buses), was built adjacent to Fanling Highway and the East Rail Line — an area further complicated by the presence of a water supply pipeline and high voltage cables.

The assembled bridge was then rotated horizontally into its final position overnight, enabling the structure to span the railway safely in a single operation. Advanced digital tools — including LiDAR systems, AI-enabled CCTV and automated deformation monitoring — enhanced precision and safety throughout construction and rotation.

This method shortened the construction program by approximately 12 months compared with conventional techniques, significantly reducing on-site risks, lessening disruption to railway operations, and enhancing safety for both workers and the public.

Sustainable and collaborative delivery

Sustainability was embedded throughout design and delivery. Precast bridge deck segments were fabricated in Chinese Mainland and installed using launching girders and mobile cranes. This approach reduced on-site concrete works and achieved an estimated 2,100-ton reduction in carbon emissions.

We coordinated design, engineering and delivery across multiple disciplines, fostering seamless collaboration among teams from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and Singapore. This cross-regional partnership led to efficient delivery and meaningful knowledge exchange.

World’s first use of ultra-high-strength S960 steel in footbridges

Innovation extended beyond the main bridge works. Two footbridges — including the Footbridge F6 at Lung Yeuk Tau Interchange — feature the world’s first use of ultra‑high‑strength S960 steel in footbridge structures.

Artist’s impression of footbridge F6 at Lung Yeuk Tau Interchange (Photo credit: CEDD)

Footbridge F6 is a pedestrian‑and‑cycling link forming part of the cycle track‑cum‑footbridge over Lung Yeuk Tau Interchange. With a 40‑meter‑diameter circular deck and four connecting links spanning up to 36 meters, it enhances accessibility between the Fanling North New Development Area and the existing North District cycle track network.

The adoption of S960 steel, which offers more than twice the strength of conventional structural steel, reduced the structural weight by up to 90 percent, cutting down heavy lifting, falsework and foundation works. It also decreased the required number of piers and pile caps, lowering conflict with underground services. Off‑site modular fabrication further enhanced safety, efficiency and quality in the delivery of this structure.

The Fanling Bypass Eastern Section not only improves mobility and supports new communities in the Northern Metropolis — it also redefines how complex infrastructure can be delivered safely, sustainably and collaboratively. The project shortened construction time, achieved cost savings, and set new standards for engineering excellence and innovation in Hong Kong.

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