Aurecon has been awarded the engineering design contract for the Tuen Ma Line Extension in Hong Kong. Commissioned by Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTR Corporation), the project comprises a 2.4 km extension of the existing West Rail Line from Tuen Mun station, improving accessibility for the local population to Hong Kong’s Tuen Mun South area.

Appointed by AECOM, the lead planning and design consultancy on the project, Aurecon is responsible for the detailed planning and design of railway engineering, river crossing specialty bridge and viaducts, swimming pool re-provisioning work, noise enclosure as well as digital services.

“Aurecon’s engineering expertise and our investment in digital capabilities in recent years, especially in BIM, has helped us establish a leading market position in Hong Kong,” said Keith Chong, managing director for infrastructure – Asia at Aurecon, who will lead the project work.

“We have strong expertise in digital services and will harness a range of digital tools in the engineering processes on this project, such as 3D modelling. Our team’s long-standing experience in bridge design, technical know-how and capability to bring innovative ideas to the table will be a significant factor to the project’s success.”

Aurecon’s role on the Tuen Ma Line Extension project will span two years and will be led by the company’s Hong Kong office, with support from other regional offices as necessary. Improving rail access to Tuen Mun, which is home to around 490,000 people, is one of the key priorities of the government’s railway development strategy for Hong Kong.

At present, residents in southern parts of the district use buses or light rail to reach Tuen Mun station, which is the terminus of the West Rail Line. Once completed, the extended train line will serve the community south of the town centre and the nearby residential areas, as well as enhance connectivity to Tuen Mun Ferry Pier.

Construction of the Tuen Ma Line Extension is expected to commence in 2023 for completion in 2030. The project also includes the construction of a new terminus at Tuen Mun South as well as an intermediate station, elevated viaducts and a river crossing speciality bridge.

Images: Aurecon