CHINA: Hong Kong's MTR Corp has awarded the Gammon-Nishimatsu WIL Joint Venture a HK$4·75bn contract to build 2·2 km of running tunnel for the West Island Line project along with two intermediate stations at Sai Ying Pin and Hong Kong University.

Gammon had already won a HK$1·3bn contract to build Kennedy Town station and over-run tunnels totalling 650 m in length. Both contracts are scheduled for completion in 2014.

The West Island Line is a 3 km underground extension of the existing Island Line from Sheung Wan to Kennedy Town. Construction commenced in July 2009, with opening envisaged in 2014. Journey time from Kennedy Town to Sheung Wan will be 8 min.

Since the WIL extension passes through a densely-populated area, Gammon and MTR will use electrically-operated equipment and comprehensive noise shielding techniques to suppress the levels of noise and dust caused by construction work.

‘These projects pose significant engineering challenges as they are due to take place in a densely built-up community’, said Gammon Chief Executive Thomas Ho. ‘Our construction team has extensive experience and will be taking measures to minimise any disturbance for the community and to deliver the project in an environmentally-friendly manner.’