For Discussion C&W DC Paper No.26 /2015

Central & Western District Council Latest Progress of Admiralty Station Extension Project

Introduction

1. This paper provides the latest progress update of the Admiralty Station extension works to the Central and Western District Council.

Latest Progress

2. As at the end of February 2015, the (East)(“SIL(E)”) project works are close to 84% completed. While the majority of the works for the four new stations in the Southern District is progressing in line with the original schedule, challenges remain for the Admiralty Station extension works and the target opening of SIL(E) is at the end of 2016.

Admiralty Station Extension Works Progress

3. The Admiralty Station extension works started in May 2011 and are underway at the works sites in Harcourt Garden and near Hong Kong Park. When these works are completed, Admiralty Station will become a four-line interchange station for Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, SIL(E) and Shatin to Central Link (“SCL”).

4. Cut-and-cover excavation and structural construction are progressing at the Harcourt Garden works site. Blasting works for the cut-and-cover station are in progress with completion expected in the second quarter of 2015. Existing train service, road and pedestrian traffic remain unaffected during the blasting works. Notices are issued in advance to residents and commercial buildings nearby regarding the detailed arrangements of the blasting works.

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5. Excavation works by blasting for the cavern station and platform tunnels of SIL(E) have been completed and structural works are in progress. Excavation of the SCL overrun tunnels continues.

6. Underpinning of the existing Island Line tunnel structure continues, which requires the installation of temporary steel beams and columns to support the existing Island Line tunnel structure while the in-situ rock is excavated incrementally from beneath the structure. These works are being carried out beneath the operating railway and great care is needed to maintain the safety of the railway tunnel structure and ensure that there is no impact on train services of Island Line. The construction team continues to face significant challenges related to access constraints, tight working space, and at some locations geological features that have required more temporary support works. These issues have contributed to the delay to this part of the critical works. The construction team is making its utmost effort to overcome these difficulties. The excavation progress has achieved the target production rate since November 2014, although the existing delay could not be recovered. The actual opening date can only be confirmed after the completion of the underpinning works.

Reprovisioning of Harcourt Garden Works Site

7. To facilitate the remaining works of the Admiralty Station extension after the opening of SIL(E), the re-provisioning of Harcourt Garden is proposed to be completed in phases. The western part of Harcourt Garden near Rodney Street will be handed over to the relevant government departments upon the opening of SIL(E). An elevated landscaped deck connecting to the existing footbridge system will be provided for the enjoyment and convenience of the public. Works will continue in the remaining part of the site for at least 12 months after the opening of SIL(E). The progress of the works will be closely monitored and reported to the District Council in a timely manner.

8. Under the proposed scheme, construction vehicle access in and out of the Harcourt Garden works site will be via the

2 two existing access points at and respectively, freeing up Rodney Street to help smoother traffic flow.

Hong Kong Park Ventilation Building Works Progress

9. Shaft blasting works at the Hong Kong Park works site for the construction of the ventilation building was completed in December 2013 and structural works are now in progress. The current site arrangement will be maintained until the opening of SIL(E).

Temporary Traffic Management Scheme

10. Admiralty Station entrances E1 and E2 have been closed since the second quarter of 2011 to allow for the extension works. Pedestrians can access entrances A and D via the pedestrian crossings at Rodney Street. Pedestrians can also use the temporarily diverted CITIC footbridge to access the Admiralty or Tamar commercial area, i.e. the Central Government Offices, CITIC Tower, United Centre and Admiralty Centre, etc. The temporary pedestrian walkway from Queensway to the Police Headquarters is maintained. Site egress at Harcourt Road and Rodney Street and entrances at Rodney Street and Queensway are maintained.

11. The existing temporary traffic arrangements near the works sites of Harcourt Garden and Hong Kong Park remain unchanged. The U-turn outside the Island Shangri-la Hotel and the emergency vehicular access at the British Council remain in operation. The pedestrian crossing on Supreme Court Road near the Island Shangri-la Hotel was signalised temporarily starting from November 2013 to enhance pedestrian safety. The above arrangement will be maintained until the opening of SIL(E).

Truck Operation

12. While the excavation works for the Admiralty Station extension are in progress, the temporary barging facilities at the Western District Public Cargo Works Area (PCWA) have ceased to operate since late August 2014. Reinstatement works

3 for PCWA was completed and the site was handed over to the relevant government departments at the end of December 2014.

Conclusion

13. The project team will continue to closely monitor the Admiralty Station extension works and endeavor to minimise the impact of the works and temporary traffic arrangements on the community. The Corporation will also continue to provide updates on the latest progress of the project to the community through the District Council and Community Liaison Group meetings.

14. Members are invited to note the content of the paper.

MTR Corporation March 2015

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