廣深港高鐵 Guangzhou-Shenzhen- Express Rail Link

大圍 Tai Wai

鑽石山 Diamond Hill

沙田至 中環綫 shatin to central link

大圍 Tai Wai

西九龍 西九龍 總站 總站 West Kowloon West Kowloon Terminus Terminus

觀塘綫延綫 extension

西港島綫 west 南港島綫 ( 東段 ) (eAST)

www..com.hk Reaching Out MARCH 2013 • Issue 1 the mtr CONTENTS

29 Pioneering use of water ballast

32 Putting safety first

34 Sustaining our industry through training and insurance 36 Contractor cooperative training scheme 40 Taking the community approach

42 Preserving a much-loved tree wall

44 Colourful hoardings by communities 大圍 for communities Tai Wai Page 06 鑽石山 Diamond Hill Reaching out for a sustainable future In developing five new lines that will enable the network to cover all 18 districts in Hong Kong, the MTR is reaching out to a wide range of stakeholders, exploring new technologies and solving technical and project management challenges in new and 大圍 Tai Wai progressive ways.

西九龍 西九龍 總站 總站 West Kowloon West Kowloon Terminus Terminus Page 02 FOREWORD BY cHIEF Page 46 Promoting public art EXECUTIVE Art is an affirmation of life – life that the OFFICER MTR is such an integral part of in Hong Kong, so what better place to show public Page 38 art than MTR stations? Page 03 Taking the Editorial board members: Danal Blessis community approach Patrick Cheng projects Mona Lam CL Leung director's 20 Environmental noise monitoring Lesly Leung through commitment and innovation Patrick Lun message Maggie So PH Tang 22 South Island Line (East) to adopt fully Paul Tsui automatic operation 12 A community railway: Linking the past Editor: Angela Tam, Insitu Publishing Limited to the future 24 High-capacity lifts coming up from Creative Director: Ian Yap, Toppan Vite Limited the depths Project Manager: Billy Tung, Toppan Vite Limited 15 Barrier-free pedestrian networks Photographer: Johnny Tung to bring greater connectivity 26 Digging deep for high speed services to the Mainland The MTR Projects Journal is published by Insitu 16 Embracing the West Kowloon Publishing Limited and Toppan Vite Limited on behalf community 28 Excavating in frozen ground of the MTR Corporation Limited.

The MTR Projects Journal / 01 FOREWORD BY cHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER FOREWORD BY cHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

he MTR Corporation has a long- Hong Kong, our project management standing commitment to providing teams are bringing new, world-class T world-class transportation services railway services to the Western and that make Hong Kong as accessible and Southern Districts of sustainable as possible. While proud and the of Kowloon. of our achievements so far, we are not They are also establishing new corridors ‘Reaching Out’ satisfied. Our current commitment to turn from east to west and north to south in a great company into an even greater one the New Territories and building a fourth captures the essence stems from our desire to extend the reach rail harbour crossing to better connect of our transportation network and provide Hong Kong’s suburban areas and business of our current our customers with even better services. centre. In addition to these metro services, Our ability to connect communities can we are embarking on a high-speed programme to provide only be made possible with a clear vision journey that will connect Hong Kong to better and more and a well-intentioned plan that involves the greater China high-speed rail network. reaching out to a myriad of stakeholders, efficient transportation most importantly our current and future Never before in the history of our customers. company have we challenged ourselves in services and to so many ways or worked so hard to bring Last year we redefined our Corporate so many new services to the residents and connect and grow the Vision: to be a leading multinational visitors to our city. From the dedication company that connects and grows and professionalism that I see in our communities we serve. communities with caring service. project management team, I have every ‘Reaching Out’ is fundamental to this confidence that the current projects On multiple work vision, as evidenced by our strategy to we are undertaking will be delivered to fronts across Hong grow and enhance our core business in the satisfaction of our customers and Hong Kong while accelerating our growth stakeholders. Kong, our project in mainland China and internationally. In order to reach these goals, we will We are looking forward to the journey of management teams improve and invest in our services, making our great company even greater. enhance our corporate citizen reputation, Our success will only be measured by are bringing new, achieve further growth and maximise the the greater successes of Hong Kong as benefits for our customers. it continues to drive forward as Asia’s world-class railway World City—a vibrant, connected and services to our current As the theme for this first edition of sustainable society for generations to the MTR Projects Journal, ‘Reaching Out’ come. and future customers. captures the essence of our current programme to provide better and more efficient transportation services and to connect and grow the communities we Jay H Walder serve. On multiple work fronts across Chief Executive Officer, MTR Corporation

02 / The MTR Projects Journal PROJECTS DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE Projects Director’s Message

he MTR Projects Journal is the As engineers, architects and project beginning of a very special journey. managers, we are deeply committed to T Much like the five new railway lines serving the best interest of our society for we are currently building for Hong Kong, a sustainable future. This requires proactive this Journal represents our commitment to involvement at the community level with a reaching out to the communities we serve. wide range of stakeholders and customers As engineers, Through the semi-annual publication of this to seek their input throughout the project Journal, we hope to connect even better life cycle. In order for us to create the architects and project with our communities and stakeholders and substantial benefits that these new projects provide a more in-depth style of information are designed to bring, we are exploring managers, we are regarding our new railway development new technologies, expanding our social projects in Hong Kong and beyond. capabilities, and solving both technical and deeply committed project management challenges in new and to serving the best Hong Kong’s residents and visitors alike progressive ways. widely recognise the MTR railway service interest of our society for its role as the backbone connecting How are we doing this? We hope that the this vibrant world city. Our transportation MTR Projects Journal will provide some for a sustainable system and integrated commercial insights. In the spirit of Reaching Out, and residential facilities are the envy of the stories in this first issue highlight our future. This requires governments and town planners around efforts to embrace the communities we the world. But few people are aware of serve, improve our project delivery and proactive involvement the vastness of the current expansion services through technical innovations, at the community programme that by year 2020 will bring prioritise our workers’ safety and welfare, a 25% increase in this railway network and engage our stakeholders throughout level with a wide range and services, soon to reach out to all 18 the project life cycle. community districts around this special of stakeholders and administrative region. Through this publication, we are delighted to reach out and share more about the customers to seek their Since the opening of the first MTR line current and future growth of our MTR in 1979, the Corporation has never seen services, highlighting the dedication and input throughout the such an extensive programme of growth care we are taking for the sustainable future project life cycle. undertaken in such a compressed time. of the cities and communities we serve. The five major railway projects currently I hope you enjoy this first edition of the under construction will add some 56km MTR Projects Journal! to our railway network. Beyond that, even more expansion is on the drawing board, through our detailed discussion with the Government on the future generation of T.C. Chew Hong Kong’s railway development. Projects Director, MTR Corporation

The MTR Projects Journal / 03

Embracing Communities

Reaching out for a sustainable future

a community railway: Linking the past to the future

Barrier-free pedestrian networks to bring greater connectivity

EMBRACING the west kowloon COMMUNITY

The MTR Projects Journal / 05 embracing communities Reaching out for a sustainable future he sun is rising as the worker in a The drilling jumbo that prepares the blast This expansion programme will increase hard hat and fluorescent safety vest holes at the rock face underground is one the MTR network by 25% and reach out T sounded the gong, signalling the of a fleet of sophisticated machines battling to communities that have yet to benefit start of another round of blasting. Serenely, tough ground conditions to extend the from rail access. They include those in the the locals go about their business as usual, MTR network to all 18 districts in Hong Western District, which is the oldest district practising tai chi in the park or preparing for Kong. Across five major projects—the West on Hong Kong Island and home to the work or school. Island Line (WIL), Guangzhou-Shenzhen- , and those in the Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL), South Southern District, where the ever-popular The loaders deposit the spoil from the Island Line (East) (SIL(E)), Kwun Tong Line Ocean Park and Aberdeen Harbour are blast onto a long conveyor belt deep Extension (KTE) and Shatin to Central Link located. They also include communities underground and the jumbo manoeuvres (SCL)—numerous drilling jumbos and piling in Kowloon City, next to the soon-to- to resume the drilling of blast holes. Behind rigs are joined by no less than 15 tunnel be transformed old Kai Tak airport, and colourful hoardings designed by local boring machines (TBMs) in this large-scale communities in the thriving new towns students, the workers busy themselves with undertaking. of the New Territories. Together, the five the works, coordinating with colleagues railway projects will add 56km of track and underground and dealing with the logistics 21 new or expanded stations to the railway of materials handling. system by 2020.

wil sil(E) xrl kte scl

cost of project $15.5B $12.4B $66.9B $5.3B $79.8B (HK$BILLIONS) construction start Jul 2009 MAY 2011 JAN 2010 MAY 2011 Jul 2012 railway opening 2014 2015 2015 2015 2018* 2020** no. of stations 3 5 1 2 10

total length (KM) 3 7 26 2.6 17

* 2018 : Tai Wai to Hung Hom Section ** 2020 : Hung Hom to Admiralty Section

06 / The MTR Projects Journal embracing communities

West Island Line Hong Kong University

South Island Line (East) Admiralty Ocean Park Lei Tung South Horizons

Express Rail Link West Kowloon Terminus to the Mainland

Kwun Tong Line Extension Ho Man Tin Whampoa

Tai Wai Diamond Hill To Kwa Wan Ho Man Tin Exhibition Shatin to Central Link Hin Keng Kai Tak Ma Tau Wai Hung Hom Admiralty

Top Aerial view of Shek Kong Stabling Sidings, Express Rail Link Bottom Left Site, West Island Line Bottom Right Whampoa traffic diversion, Kwun Tong Line Extension

The MTR Projects Journal / 07 Temporary traffic management arrangements on 08Ma / TauThe Wai MTR Road, Projects Shatin to Journal Central Link

embracing communities

View of , South Island Line (East)

Delivering these projects, however, is an reach out to 16 major cities in China and Finally, SCL, which is essentially two projects unprecedented challenge that demands connect with the Mainland’s 16,000km in one, will provide a new east-west corridor substantial technical and management high-speed rail network. The sprawling between the North East and North West capability as well as labour resources. West Kowloon Terminus site is the scene of New Territories as well as a north-south These five lines reach deeper underground, an innovative combination of excavation corridor between the New Territories and traverse denser populations and structures, techniques to construct this massive the heart of Hong Kong’s business district and combine technologies and systems to terminus that would engulf 30 average-size via the city’s fourth harbour crossing, an extent never attempted before. MTR stations. allowing passengers to get from the border to the heart of Central for the first time Take West Island Line for example. Deep South Island Line (East) will see the in history. This will require an intricate cavern stations will require an extensive introduction to Hong Kong of a medium- modification of the existing Hung Hom pedestrian subway network exceeding capacity railway that will employ three-car Station, where two platform levels serving the length of the railway itself to serve its trains capable of fully automatic operation. the two sections of SCL will be excavated catchments. As a result, high-capacity lifts It will begin at Admiralty Station, already the underneath the existing station concourse. will be introduced to take passengers to and busiest station on the MTR network, where from the stations quickly and conveniently. the excavation of two new station levels Throughout the construction of these five A corresponding new evacuation strategy deep below the existing station involves projects, utmost care is being taken to has also been developed using the lifts for complex interface with the operating ensure the quality of life of the communities evacuation. An imaginative combination of railway. concerned will not be affected. Close simple solutions and advanced techniques attention is also paid to public safety, has been carefully chosen to meet the The Kwun Tong Line Extension will extend workers’ safety and environmental challenges presented by the project while our reach into the bustling Ho Man Tin protection. In developing these projects and minimising disturbance to daily life in the and Whampoa areas. Its interface with the meeting the aspirations of the communities, community. They range from using gongs Shatin to Central Link (SCL) has generated our approach is to reach out for technical to warn locals of a blast to the use of water a unique cruciform design for Ho Man innovation, management expertise, labour ballast to suppress vibration. Tin Station, to accommodate a passenger resources and stakeholder engagement. concourse between the lower Kwun Tong These five lines are unique in the innovation Express Rail Link, which will bring the first Line platform level and the upper level of and forward-thinking adopted in their high-speed rail service to Hong Kong, will the SCL platforms. planning, design and construction as well

The MTR Projects Journal / 09 embracing communities

as the pioneering stakeholder engagement exercises conducted to ensure they will serve the communities concerned well.

To this end, the expertise of our designers and engineers involved is applied in close consultation with members of the community, in the districts themselves. Forums are set up so that residents can share their views during every stage of each project, starting when the projects were just sketches on the drawing board. It is unprecedented in the history of project development in Hong Kong for communities to be engaged so early and on such a broad scale. Our staff also take part in local activities, to establish trust and contribute to local life.

Stakeholders also include the consultants, contractors and workers whose teamwork is vital to the successful delivery of these projects. These partners are actively engaged throughout the tendering and construction stages of each project. Consultants and contractors work with us in developing construction methods that are safe, efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly. For the workers, there are training courses, safety programmes and welfare provisions to enhance their well-being, as well as incentive schemes to attract young people to join the industry.

This is just the beginning: more expansion is on the drawing board, thanks to the foresight of government planners who have worked closely with our engineers Entrance shaft at Hong Kong University Station, West Island Line in reaching out for a sustainable future for Hong Kong.

10 / The MTR Projects Journal Hong Kong University Station cavern, West Island Line

The MTR Projects Journal / 11 embracing communities

A community railway: linking the past to the future

estern District is a densely built- up old district where residents W have been waiting for the MTR to be extended to their areas ever since the Island Line was built in 1985. Building the 3-km long West Island Line (WIL) to serve as big a catchment as possible, however, presented a unique challenge due to the hilly terrain in this historic district and the number of old buildings standing on raft foundations. Many of these buildings as well as public amenities such as recreation grounds occupy small lots on narrow streets or alleys typical of many old neighbourhoods. There is consequently a lack of space for works sites and storage. Tackling at a depth of more than 35m below ground. to a shaft at King George V Memorial Park these construction challenges entails reaching Deep shafts and long adits are constructed and incorporating the diaphragm wall into out for solutions that are both innovative and to bring passengers from uphill areas to Sai the permanent works, were rehearsed on adaptable to the circumstances. Ying Pun and Hong Kong University Stations. various 3D modelling programmes. All of these A different sort of problem exists at the site designs and construction methods have been In order to link the historic district to a vibrant of Kennedy Town Station, where the risk of planned to take into account the best interest future while preserving its character, station landslips from the adjacent mountainside of the surrounding areas, providing the best entrances, emergency access routes and required extensive measures to protect permanent facilities and reducing construction ventilation ducts were combined wherever the site and the communities below. The nuisance wherever possible. possible, to minimise the amount of land and comprehensive protection works included the excavation required. Furthermore, every effort construction of four material retention dams, Another example of this can be seen along the was made to reprovision facilities that had to the erection of boulder catching fences, and shoreline, where a section of the public cargo be demolished or temporarily closed to make extensive use of soil nailing and shotcreting of working area has been temporarily converted way for the construction of the new line. the surrounding slopes. into a temporary barging point as part of a comprehensive plan to minimise the impact of For example, the Kennedy Town Swimming Both the design of temporary works and spoil removal on the environment and reduce Pool and David Trench Rehabilitation Centre the works sequences themselves have had the need for road traffic diversions. About 80% were two of the key existing facilities along the to be adjusted in response to conditions in of the spoil, crushed underground to minimise alignment that needed to be reprovisioned to the district. For example, a deep shaft was noise and dust, is transported to two shafts make way for the railway construction. In both constructed in Sai Woo Lane, a 4m narrow excavated at the Kennedy Town Praya and Hill cases we designed new and upgraded facilities alley surrounded by buildings, some of which Road respectively for transport via a 320m long, in new locations to the broad acclaim of the are over 40 years old. To improve settlement fully enclosed conveyor belt system to a barging public and government tenants. These two control, a diaphragm wall was adopted point for removal by sea vessels. projects provide visible reminders of the MTR’s instead of the bored pile wall set down in commitment to embracing and enhancing the the original design. Other changes were By reaching out for flexible and innovative communities we serve. made as the construction team discovered a approaches that take into account Western’s higher rock head and a significant amount of historic character and the needs of the To overcome geological constraints and corestones. community, WIL can be built to blend in with underground obstructions to the railway works the neighbourhoods it serves and be accessible themselves, WIL has been designed to run in The changes, including a switch of the to as many residents as possible, as discussed deep tunnels with stations built in solid rock, starting point for drill-and-blast tunnelling in the next article on the expansive pedestrian networks connecting to the three new stations.

12 / The MTR Projects Journal Hong Kong University Station The MTR Projectsentrance, Journal West Island / 13 Line embracing communities

Sai Ying Pun Station, West Island Line

Kennedy Town Station, West Island Line

14 / The MTR Projects Journal embracing communities

ince the Western District has such a hilly terrain, ensuring access to the S West Island Line (WIL) stations to as Barrier-free many residents as possible was a challenge that demanded close consultation with the pedestrian community and a willingness to innovate. networks In locating the stations and their associated subways and entrances, we took into account the need to minimise to bring greater walking distance as much as possible, which was balanced against technical connectivity considerations such as the trains’ turning radius and ground conditions. To identify the entrances for that would serve the neighbourhood best, for example, we invited the community to work with us through a series of public consultations, workshops and District Council meetings, which enabled us to narrow the choice of station entrances from more than 20 possibilities down to six.

Connected by pedestrian subways, walkways, lifts and escalators, the pedestrian network at Sai Ying Pun Station covers the business district to the east, the residential areas to the west and the area to the south. Hong Kong University Station features three entrances in the downhill residential areas as well as two uphill entrances on Pok Fu Lam Road and the west gate of the University of Hong Kong respectively. A total of 12 high-capacity lifts will serve the two uphill entrances. The three entrances at Kennedy Town Station are the university’s Haking Wong Building via possible construction adits constructed integrated with recreational facilities in the a short footbridge. Eight high-capacity for access to the running tunnels are being district and a green mini-bus loading and lifts will be installed in the tower, which converted into permanent pedestrian unloading area. has been built over a deep shaft that will adits, to minimise the extent of land take users to a 100m long subway leading resumption. Building these entrances has involved the to the station concourse. This is one of reprovisioning of community facilities such three deep shafts excavated to provide In total, approximately 3km of pedestrian as a cooked food market, the rehabilitation pedestrian access to uphill areas: one 80m subways as well as lift shafts and walkways centre and recreational grounds. We deep, 18m diameter shafts at Sai Ying Pun will be built as part of WIL. Through this worked closely with the community on Station; and two up to 70m deep, 16m pedestrian network, 95% of the population the reprovisioning, to minimise its impact diameter shafts at Hong Kong University of Western District will be brought within on the residents. We have also worked Station. the walking catchment of WIL stations. closely with the campus community of The network will not only facilitate access the University of Hong Kong. In order By careful selection of sites for station to and from the MTR, but also provide a to provide direct and convenient access entrances, private land was taken up community service, enabling residents to between Hong Kong University Station at only one entrance, on Sai Woo Lane, move about more conveniently in an area and the university’s new campus, a 50m where it was also required for the full of narrow pavements and steep slopes. high lift tower will be built to connect to construction of a launch shaft. Where

The MTR Projects Journal / 15 embracing communities

EMBRACING the west kowloon COMMUNITY

West Kowloon Terminus, Recognising the important position development atop Kowloon Station. Of Express Rail Link it occupies within the urban fabric of the three remaining footbridges, one will West Kowloon, we have worked with the run north to connect the Terminus with the government and our consultants to design future park and transport interchange to the Terminus as a dynamic focal point of the north of Jordan Road while the other transport and urban activities, including two will run east towards Austin Station and cultural activities emanating from WKCD. the historic points of interest in the district. The Terminus reaches out physically and visually via subways, footbridges, and a The design of WKT and its approach tunnels ground-level traffic-free civic plaza. is driven by the need to build the high- speed rail link underneath the West Rail Two subways will connect the Terminus running line as well as the need to create to Austin Station and Kowloon Station, sufficient space for all the train platforms and concourse, incorporating customs, ur efforts to reach out to the respectively. The former will connect immigration and quarantine facilities. community in and beyond Hong directly with the Austin Station concourse, We have turned this challenge into an Kong will be visibly expressed at providing a short, fast link to the MTR’s West O asset by locating the bulk of the terminus the West Kowloon Terminus (WKT) of the Rail Line within just one or two minutes. underground, so that the ground level can Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express The latter will pass beneath Lin Cheung be reserved for free interactions among Rail Link (Express Rail Link, or XRL), soon Road to emerge at ground level, offering passengers and pedestrians. The terminus to be the southern-most destination on connections to Kowloon Station and its features an undulating roof that offers a China’s high-speed rail network. Located adjoining commercial, retail and residential bird’s eye view of the surrounding scenery in the heart of West Kowloon, WKT has developments as well as the public and beyond, which will strengthen one’s been designed to incorporate an extensive transport interchange. sense of “being there” and “reaching out”. pedestrian network with convenient connections to the surrounding areas, Through the linkages we create from the The pedestrian connections and the spaces including the developments atop Kowloon terminus structure, WKT will embrace an provided by the West Kowloon Terminus will Station to its west, the West Kowloon old district that features the Bowring Street promote a vibrant mix of urban lifestyles Cultural District (WKCD) to its south, Austin market and Temple Street night bazaar, that will establish West Kowloon not only Station and its associated development to both of which are tourist must-sees. Of the as a point of interest but as a destination of its east, and a park with a public transport six footbridges to be constructed, three will tremendous and diverse attraction, to the interchange underneath to its north. connect the Terminus with the property Hong Kong public and tourists alike.

16 / The MTR Projects Journal embracing communities

Sai Ying Pun Station Entrance A, West Island Line

Kennedy Town Station Entrance C, West Island Line

The MTR Projects Journal / 17

Technical Innovation

environmental noise monitoring through commitment and innovation

south island line (EAST) to adopt fully automatic operation

high-capacity lifts coming up from the depths

Digging deep for high speed services to the Mainland

Excavating in frozen ground

Pioneering use of water ballast

The MTR Projects Journal / 19 technical innovation environmental noise monitoring through commitment and innovation

s part of our commitment to action whenever mitigation measures have ANDANTE has two versions. In addition to environmental protection, we to be carried out. the desktop version, which was rolled out in A endeavour to minimise the noise 2010, a mobile version was developed and impact of our projects. Although noise Given our goal of minimising the impact launched in 2012, enabling noise data to monitoring and mitigation as required of our construction work on surrounding be reviewed anytime, anywhere via an iOS- by an environmental impact assessment communities, this tremendous challenge based smartphone or tablet. is typically undertaken by a project’s has provided us with the impetus to reach contractor, we have undertaken to centralise out and develop ANDANTE to improve ANDANTE has enhanced MTR’s commitment it for the construction of the 26km Express the efficiency of the environmental to stakeholder engagement by enabling the Rail Link (XRL). By setting up 35 monitoring management team’s work. environmental management team to act stations along the alignment, timely action swiftly in response to any noise complaints. can be taken to address any noise exceeding The hardware associated with the system Since its adoption on XRL, the system has the statutory limit. designed for XRL include 35 automatic facilitated the prompt investigation of noise monitoring stations, 17 CCTV cameras noise-related complaints and alerted the This is no easy task as the high-speed rail and 10 weather stations. Using 3G wireless team to many cases of excessive noise on link cuts across five districts, and the noise technology, the noise data and CCTV site. Its adoption has enabled the team to monitoring has to be conducted weekly over images are automatically collected from the shorten its complaint response time by 20% a 67-month period. ANDANTE, which stands monitoring stations and transmitted to a compared with traditional noise monitoring for “Automatic Noise Data Management cloud server for storage and downloading and mitigation methods as used in the past. E-system”, is an innovative web-based noise by the environmental management team. By monitoring system which automatically automating the noise monitoring process on Stakeholder engagement also extends collects data for real-time review. It is a project of this scale, ANDANTE is estimated to the environmental software developer superior to manual monitoring, which is to have saved 20% of the manpower needed, who worked closely with us in developing not only time-consuming but also labour- which equates to about 7,000 man-hours the system, the telecommunication intensive as it involves taking regular field that would otherwise be spent on travelling services provider who ensures data can be measurements, data analysis, data filing and to and from noise monitoring stations, transmitted without interruption, and the re-measurement where mitigation action monitoring and handling noise data. In many contractors involved on the project. has been carried out, especially since some addition, by filing all data automatically, it monitoring stations are located in remote facilitates both data analysis and provides a Whilst there have been similar applications rural areas. At the same time, construction clear trail for auditing purposes that is free of environmental monitoring technology in sites located in densely populated from human error. The data will also facilitate the past, the implementation of ANDANTE urban areas such as West Kowloon need the planning of future construction projects on XRL is the first large-scale deployment particularly close monitoring and responsive with a view towards minimisation of their of its kind. In recognition of the system’s noise impact. innovative use of information technology

20 / The MTR Projects Journal technical innovation

and its benefits, it was awarded a Certificate of Merit at the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2012.

Following its success on XRL, the system is now being developed to cover other current and future railway projects.

Top Mobile version of ANDANTE Middle ANDANTE's system architecture Bottom Screen shot from ANDANTE

The MTR Projects Journal / 21 technical innovation south island line(EAST) to adopt fully automatic operation

or a long time the communities of groups to analyse normal FAO work flow as To achieve accurate train stopping and the Southern District have called for well as incident handling under different automatic inching, a variable-voltage and F the MTR network to be extended to operational scenarios. The Disneyland variable-frequency drive system using their homes. To meet their aspirations whilst Resort Line, which is Hong Kong’s first train insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) also taking into account the relatively small system operated under FAO, provided technology will be adopted to maintain the catchment in the district, we have taken data and operational experience for our constant slow speed control required for the opportunity to introduce a medium- reference, as did existing FAO railways these functions. Pulse width modulation capacity system when developing the South around the world. control will also be adopted for the precise Island Line (East) (SIL(E)) to serve the south control of traction and brake demand from side of Hong Kong Island. The 7.3-km long The FAO system on SIL(E) will feature several the signalling system. line will use ten three-car trains capable of new technologies. operating at a maximum speed of 80 kph The trains will be installed with CCTV to serve 20,000 passengers per hour per A communication-based train control cameras and an emergency telecom system direction. system (CBTC) providing continuous, for incident and emergency handling. A bi-directional and high-capacity terrestrial trunked radio (TETRA) system The three-car train configuration gives communication channels between will ensure reliable data and voice us greater flexibility in terms of SIL(E)’s trainborne and trackside equipment will communication between staff at our alignment and station design as smaller enable automatic driving, remote control Operations Control Centre and the trains stations involving less land take can be and monitoring as well as automatic wake- while CCTV images can be transmitted built to serve the system, which will employ up and shutdown. Computer-based train in real time to the control centre via a fully automatic operation (FAO) to improve control will also enable trains to compute broadband wireless radio system. the flexibility of train deployment, reduce their own positions and report them to human error and enable more speedy the trackside computer via the train-track An on-board train management system response to changes in passenger flow. communication. will report critical train status and alarms to These advantages make FAO uniquely the signalling system and the main control suitable for SIL(E), which is designed to cater The signalling system will employ the IEEE system, the latter of which will automatically to peak hour flow as well as tourist traffic, 802.11 family of wireless standard for bi- trigger the display of the relevant CCTV as trains can run closer together and extra directional train-track communication. image upon detection of a specific services can be laid on quickly in response To increase system availability, two trainborne event, such as a fire alarm. to unexpectedly busy periods. independent communication paths will be provided between trainborne and trackside Passengers will enjoy the benefits of these As FAO will bring changes to the current equipment for data communication. FAO features. In the event of an emergency, operational model, we formed two task they will still be able to request help by activating the emergency telecom system.

22 / The MTR Projects Journal technical innovation

Top New train at station platform, South Island Line (East) Middle Trains stabled in Wong Chuk Hang Depot, South Island Line (East) Bottom The signalling and E&M systems for fully automatic operation

Their request will be automatically routed to the Operations Control Centre via the TETRA system for handling, in the same way as if a train driver were in the train cab.

SIL(E) will be served by its own depot in Wong Chuk Hang. The depot is also designed for fully automatic operation. The wake-up and shutdown of trains and the shunting of trains between the stabling tracks and the running line will all be fully automatic. To prevent trespass, the depot will be divided into two zones with extra security for the unmanned zone covering the stabling tracks, heavy cleaning area and train wash area, which will be remotely monitored via various detection systems.

Tunnel Tunnel Ventilation The systems design for SIL(E) is another Ventilation example of our efforts to find solutions that Infeed Infeed meet the varying needs of communities.

For long-haul, cross-border passengers, our Traction Power Supply System solution is to develop a high-speed rail link; for residents of the Southern District and 1500V overhead line visitors to Ocean Park, we have also found Radio Radio CCTV an appropriate solution: fully automatic ATC ATC operation for a medium-capacity system. Wayside Signalling Distributed Communications Network

CB I AT C AT S Leaky Coaxial Cable CBI ATC ATS

Radio Signalling System Communication

Saloon CCTV

The MTR Projects Journal / 23 technical innovation

High-capacity lifts coming up from the depths

uilding new railway lines that best common for a specially-equipped fireman’s station incident, the connecting passage is serve community needs is a challenge lift to be available for access by emergency divided by high-level smoke barriers into Bthat has driven us to find innovative services personnel. This gave us some separate “smoke zones” from which any solutions. In the case of the West Island inspiration. smoke can be extracted by ducts and fans, Line (WIL), this includes the use of high- providing a further layer of protection for capacity lifts to transport passengers from Using high-capacity lifts to assist in the evacuees. deep stations to and from uphill areas that evacuation of railway stations is technically can hardly be served by escalators. Such feasible, and as the lifts typically serve only Our innovative approach towards lift- lift-only entrances will be a new experience two levels—ground and station—with assisted evacuation for the deep stations for commuters in Hong Kong as the lifts no intermediate floors, passengers can on WIL was developed in collaboration are not only designed for high-capacity be effectively evacuated without multiple with statutory authorities and emergency movement and convenience, but they will stops. Because each station’s electricity services personnel. Following an also feature decorative artworks from the requirements are served by dual feeds from independent review, this approach was local community. separate sources that are protected by fire- successfully approved for implementation resistant cables, there is no concern over by the Electrical and Mechanical Services The high-capacity lifts in WIL stations potential interruption to the electricity Department. We have thus established typically feature: supply. a new strategy for assisting deep station • 4 or as many as 8 lifts per entrance evacuation, which will also be adopted • regular departures Both the high-capacity lifts and associated for one station on the future South Island • full walk-through lift cars with separate systems were designed from the outset to Line (East). This concept may also serve as boarding and alighting lobbies to avoid assist in evacuating passengers in the event a reference for emergency evacuation of circulation conflicts of an emergency. The lifts are served by future high-rise buildings in Hong Kong. • accessibility for the mobility impaired separate lift machinery so that, even if one set is out of service, the system will still be In addition to taking up much less space able to function. Fire curtains are located than escalators and using less energy, at the base of every lift shaft in order to the lifts can also be mobilised to play an isolate them from the rest of the station important role, together with the more in an emergency. Located one level above conventional escalators and stairs, in the the regular lift lobby and accessed via a emergency evacuation strategy for such 1.5m wide pressurised emergency staircase, deep stations. which includes a refuge area for wheelchair users, a similarly pressurised refuge lobby A fundamental basis for emergency allows evacuated passengers to wait safely evacuation is the provision of “two ways for the lifts to arrive, in a psychologically out”. In the event that one of these ways reassuring environment. Evacuees will then leads to a lift-only entrance, then we needed be safely and effortlessly transported up to to think out-of-the-box. Conventional ground level using the high-capacity lifts. wisdom states that, when evacuating any building or structure during an emergency, Although each lift-only entrance is typically we must avoid using the lifts, although it is located some distance away from any

24 / The MTR Projects Journal technical innovation

Top Lift-assisted evacuation at Hong Kong University Station, West Island Line Right Underground lift lobby at Sai Ying Pun Station, West Island Line

The MTR Projects Journal / 25 technical innovation

Digging deep for high speed services to the Mainland

he West Kowloon Terminus is the origin and destination point for the T Express Rail Link, which will reach out and connect Hong Kong with Mainland cities as far as Beijing and Shanghai via China’s 16,000km long high-speed rail network.

Covering a 11ha site, the Terminus will a busy road network. It is about 30 times and stanchions supporting the levels have a ground level, an above-ground the size of a typical MTR station and its above as the excavation continues towards circulation level and four basement levels construction will yield 3.7 million m³ of spoil the bottom. In this way construction can accommodating platforms for six short haul and consume 1.1 million m³ of concrete. To proceed on two fronts rather than just one. shuttles to and from Guangzhou and nine maintain a fast-track programme on a site platforms for long-haul trains. Constrained of this size, we have adopted an innovative The site occupies an area that was reclaimed by a common Hong Kong problem __ a combination of construction techniques from the sea in phases from the 1970s to shortage of land __ we have been driven to comprising “bottom-up”, “top-down” and early 2000s. Ground conditions consist of go deep, to carve out what will become the pseudo “top-down” methods. fill up to the third level of basement with largest underground high-speed rail station marine deposit, alluvium and completely in the world, in order to fit in all the services This involves bottom-up construction to decomposed granite down to the fifth-level required at the only site available to us, in create temporary cut slopes to facilitate the basement. West Kowloon. initial bulk excavation of a central core. Once a large, 1.5m thick diaphragm wall has been The diaphragm wall was installed to Measuring 600m long, 200m wide and 30m constructed around the entire site, top- a depth of 55m along with shear pins deep, the Terminus is being constructed down and pseudo top-down construction and stanchions, after which the site was on a site located in reclaimed land and can also be carried out along the perimeter dewatered and excavated to formation surrounded by existing developments and of the central core with temporary shoring level. Fissure grouting was also carried out.

26 / The MTR Projects Journal technical innovation

Fly-outs and struts support the construction the specific areas for potential clashes or Cross section showing the of the core structure from the bottom where conflicting or erroneous information West Kowloon Terminus excavation up while the temporary slopes are existed. methods, Express Rail Link excavated below the basement slabs being constructed concurrently. Large trucks By using the BIM process, more than 7,000 of 15-20 ton capacity are being used to issues were identified and mostly resolved carry the spoil along internal haul roads to before construction commenced. In barging points at either West Kowloon or reaching out for solutions and embracing Nam Cheong, an approach that eliminates new technology, our aim is to improve our substantial stress on road traffic. own capabilities and make a contribution to the construction industry as a whole as well. Building Information Modelling (BIM) The use of BIM has involved the training of was used to support the planning and project staff which, along with the sharing coordination of the construction sequences. of the BIM database with consultants and 3D models of the civil, structural and contractors, has facilitated the development architectural drawings were assembled of new skillsets within the industry. for a comprehensive review, and the reports generated identified in 3D views

The MTR Projects Journal / 27 technical innovation

Excavating in frozen ground

o provide the necessary pedestrian access along the West Island Line T (WIL) and connect it to the existing Island Line, we have had to overcome challenges presented by soft ground and old structures. Reaching out to the community entailed reaching out for a suitable solution to the challenge presented by the ground and building conditions. By referencing the use of the ground freezing technique on other construction projects, we were able to develop approaches tailor-made for the two work fronts in question.

One of six entrances to Sai Ying Pun Station on WIL is connected to the concourse via a 100m long adit located 30m below ground. Constructing the entrance in the tiny Ki Ling Lane, which is a little open space In order to join the Ki Ling Lane entrance as close as 3m from the adit alignment. At located between the busy thoroughfares to the station via two other entrances in an the junction of the diagonal turn, a vertical of Des Voeux Road West and Queen’s Road area of mixed ground and with a high water plug is used to ensure watertightness and West, involved negotiating a number of old table, two key decisions were made. One was settlement control. buildings, some of which are over 40 years to build an adit with an internal diameter of old and standing on raft or piled foundations, 5.9m southward across Queen’s Road West Ground freezing was also used to facilitate and a designated park. for 80m before turning it diagonally into First construction work near the existing crossover Street to connect with the two entrances box of Station. Steel arches Several ground investigations were carried along Centre Street, thus bypassing most of located about 20m away from the crossover out between 2006 and 2012 to obtain as the building foundations and avoiding any box, once used as temporary support during much information on the area’s geological potential impact on the buildings concerned. the construction of the Island Line, had to be conditions and the soil parameters as The other was to carry out the most removed before proceeding with a tunnel possible. These investigations revealed extensive ground freezing in Hong Kong to boring machine drive through the up track the ground to consist of fill, colluvium, date, to stabilise the soil prior to excavation. tunnel. To do so in an area of soft ground, an decomposed granite and bedrock formation ice ring was created by two rows of freezing of moderately to slightly decomposed Ground freezing with brine was applied in pipes, thus preparing the ground for the granite. Data from groundwater monitoring three stages to reduce soil temperature to an excavation of a 30m long, 2m diameter indicated that the groundwater level is at average of -10°C. Directional drilling is used gallery. Once the steel arches were removed +11mPD (2m below existing ground level) on to prepare the ground for the installation from this horizontal passage, the area was First Street and +6.6 mPD (2m below existing of freezing pipes, a process that demands backfilled ahead of tunnelling by a tunnel ground level) on Queen’s Road West. extreme accuracy as it is undertaken boring machine. underneath the old raft footings of buildings and the surrounding buildings could be

28 / The MTR Projects Journal technical innovation

Pioneering use of water ballast

rill-and-blast excavation work water absorption instead, making this the and separated from the excavated material. often raises concern over the first project in Hong Kong to use water The water, which also removed the smell of D generation of noise and dust. ballasting for such a purpose. blasting from the air, was recycled through Working in such close proximity to built-up the water treatment plant and held in a tank neighbourhoods on many of the five new The water ballast was used to dampen for reuse, making the method even more lines, it is imperative for us to develop work noise and vibration from blasting for a 18m environmentally friendly. methods that will enable us to maintain diameter, 62m deep vertical access shaft at our programme without disturbing the the park down to a construction adit. Prior The blasting was carried out inside an 18m residents or disrupting their routines. to each blast, the shaft was flooded with high noise enclosure to contain any noise 1-1.5m of water to absorb the dust, noise that was still generated. As a result of this Sand bags or old tyres are traditionally used and vibration generated by the explosion. innovative approach, the contractor was to absorb the pressure from blasting, but Afterwards, the water was pumped out at able to carry out blasting work in the early they by themselves also generate a lot of the same time the excavation was being hours of the morning, two or three times per dust. Taking into account residents’ concern carried out. The advantage of this was that week, while residents went about their daily over noise and vibration during the blasting there was no increase in the volume to be routines, barely noticing the construction operation at King Geroge V Memorial Park mucked out, as would be the case with sand work nearby. on West Island Line, we decided to use bags or old tyres, which need to be removed

The MTR Projects Journal / 29

W orkers’ Welfare and Safety

putting safety first

Sustaining our industry through training and life insurance

contractor cooperative training scheme

The MTR Projects Journal / 31 workers’ welfare and safety putting safety first

nsuring safety on five railway projects of considerable complexity is no easy E task. Rather than monitoring abstract numbers showing the accident and incident rate, however, the focus of our safety initiatives is the well-being of the workers, and their families, particularly given the large number of workers employed on the five new railway projects.

Leveraging our position as a major client in the construction industry, a decision was made from an early stage to drive for higher safety standards across all five projects. Our approach is to introduce safety initiatives for the workers, encourage our contractors to improve their safety performance, and ensure management staff are committed and equipped to promulgate and monitor the safety performance of workers. began when the projects were still We have also established a dedicated web- at the design stage with the Design based sharing platform, iShare, so that our To strengthen the safety culture among Safety and Constructability Procedure, contractors can reach out across the five our workers, we introduced a Safety Week which encourages the adoption of safer projects and share safety information with across all sites in 2012 to raise our workers’ construction options. Regular workshops each other. For sub-contractors, a simplified safety awareness, with the participation are also held during the construction stage safety management system was developed of all senior management staff and to identify risks and safer construction to raise their safety competence and contractors. The ongoing “Don’t Walk methods. An Incident Control Centre standards. By” campaign, also introduced in 2012, is is set up on every site to enhance crisis designed to encourage everyone to take management and emergency preparedness, Incentives are also provided to encourage responsibility for site safety by reporting and regular drills are conducted for contractors to seek better safety unsafe conditions or practices. handling different crisis scenarios. performance. These include the Quality, Safety, Environmental and Stakeholder Other specific safety initiatives unique to Training initiatives include: Engagement Award Scheme, an important MTR projects include the issue of a heat • a practical training course developed event which is held every six months to stress prevention guide and the introduction for contractors’ safety officers and safety recognise contractors who have excelled of a New Worker Caring Programme under supervisors aimed at raising the standard in these areas. There is also an incentive which new joiners, identified by a special of less experienced safety staff payment scheme to encourage contractors label on their safety helmets, are mentored • an induction course for our contractors’ to go the extra mile for better safety. by more experienced workers. The iSafe safety training officers so they can campaign invites workers, in several conduct effective safety training These incentives are accompanied by tools languages, to make some simple safety • the organisation of quarterly safety we have developed to help contractors checks before starting work. conferences for all contractors, to provide identify areas where improvements are an open forum for sharing lessons and needed, such as the Contractors Monthly We work closely with our contractors to best practices as well as airing concerns Physical Condition Score league table and maintain a high safety standard. This near-miss reporting for contractors and staff.

32 / The MTR Projects Journal workers’ welfare and safety

ᬟ ! ᓟ ╊ ᥸ ᐨ Ṯ Ჸ ᑠ

D y o B n · k t W a l

Management commitment and participation are essential when it comes to safety. We have therefore designed training courses that cover every aspect of safety, including safety leadership training, crisis management training and method statement and risk assessment training for our management staff. For our supervisory staff, we provide an in-house construction safety training course so they can monitor the safety performance of our contractors effectively. We have also developed an on- line Safety Information Management System to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of accident and incident reporting by contractors through email and facilitate real-time monitoring of all accidents and incidents. method statements for high-risk activities MTR’s project management team. Our Various measures have also been adopted and independent safety audits of our commitment, however, extends well beyond to maintain safety awareness, including contractors are conducted. As a member our construction sites. We are also driven to having all staff sign a dedicated safety of the Construction Safety Benchmarking raise the general level of safety throughout responsibility statement and introducing Group, we engage with other major works Hong Kong’s construction industry, by safety alerts and news cuttings to share employers in Hong Kong to share best working hard to make improvements on our lessons and experience. practice. sites and by sharing and learning from our experience. To ensure the robustness of our safety Our focus on our workers’ well-being has approach, independent reviews of work engendered strong safety leadership in

The MTR Projects Journal / 33 Training of Assistant Works Supervisors workers’ welfare and safety

Each trainee is assigned a mentor for their on- site training, allowing them to develop more Sustaining effectively under the expert guidance of an experienced superior. A defined career path our industry is offered to those who complete the scheme with six grades leading from assistant works supervisor to senior inspector. To date, the through programme has recruited 30 trainees who are now undergoing practical training on the training and five projects. Some trainees have performed so well that they are anticipating promotion to Works Supervisor II grade, ahead of insurance schedule.

Given that the number of workers who are and will be employed on the five new lines is projected to reach a total of about 16,000 at the peak of construction, we have also taken ith more than 52km of tunnels the initiative to introduce a life insurance __ to be built under the five new scheme for our contractors’ site workers W railway projects, along with the first such programme to be introduced underground stations and passenger by a construction industry client. adits, the MTR project teams have an acute demand for specialist workers to handle Under the scheme, all workers who are tunnelling works. Given our ability to provide registered with the CIC, hold a valid hands-on, on-the-job training, we decided to construction workers registration card and adopt a proactive approach by launching a who have worked on MTR projects for a three-week, full-time training course for shot minimum of ten days a month are provided firers, tunnel boring machine (TBM) drivers, with life insurance amounting to HK$200,000. drilling rig operators, fitters and mechanics The sum is paid out to the family of a worker in association with the Construction Industry in the unfortunate event of a worker’s death Council (CIC). While the CIC provides the while employed, whether the cause is work- subsidy for the scheme, MTR provides the related or not. equipment, such as TBMs, for the on-site training. The scheme is entirely free for the workers, being funded by MTR Corporation or, in the To further bolster the industry, we have case of the Express Rail Link and Shatin to also developed an inspectorate training Central Link, the HKSAR Government and scheme for works supervisors. Designed for MTR. holders of higher diplomas and diplomas in civil, electrical, mechanical, electronic and Our training schemes are geared towards building services engineering, the scheme meeting our demand for a range of specialists provides a solid two-year programme for required for railway works. At the same time, assistant works supervisors. While there they are geared towards instilling a sense of are many construction worker training pride in our workers who, as a result of the programmes offered in Hong Kong, this is unique skills they acquire, become more the only one that is tailor-made for railway committed to the industry, a commitment works. At the same time, it is unique in the which will be reinforced by the life insurance multidisciplinary training it provides, which scheme. Investing in the development of a covers civil works, tunnel excavation, viaduct sustainable workforce is a crucial element as construction, and more. Trainees also learn we strive towards a sustainable future. about the testing of various civil, E&M and building services systems required for commissioning the railways.

The MTR Projects Journal / 35 workers’ welfare and safety

C ontrACTOR Cooperative Training Scheme

ith several large-scale to qualify for the subsidy. Launched for the infrastructure projects in Hong construction of the Shatin to Central Link, W Kong competing with MTR’s the scheme requires all SCL contractors to projects for a limited number of skilled submit within three months of contract workers, it is vital for us to find ways to commencement a proposal for workers’ attract workers to our projects. In our efforts training, including course contents, end-of- to overcome this manpower challenge, we training assessment, target passing rate and have devised the Contractor Cooperative minimum number of trainees taken up per Training Scheme (CCTS), to help workers contract. improve their level of competence and ensure they are appropriately remunerated. Contractors are also committed to the payment of salaries that are commensurate Contractors have traditionally trained with the workers’ abilities, as an incentive workers under the auspices of the for them to remain in the industry. Construction Industry Council Training Academy (CICTA) on a voluntary basis. In Hong Kong a lot of construction work CCTS is specially developed to encourage is traditionally undertaken by day workers our contractors to train more workers who are hired on an as-needed basis. As a specifically for MTR projects. result, there is a tendency for many to drift in and out of the industry, acquiring few Under the scheme, we provide a subsidy specific skills in the process. By providing to our contractors to train a stipulated an incentive to our contractors to train number of new workers. The number direct workers who are also assured of depends on the contract size. For contracts regular employment, we have found a way valued at HK$200-400 million, the number to overcome the manpower challenge and is 25; for contracts valued at more than develop a more sustainable workforce for HK$400 million, it is 50. To meet the specific the industry. Bar benders undergo training at requirements of each contract, training may an on-site workshop be organised in collaboration with sub- contractors and targeted at the trades for which skilled workers are needed. Seven trades are covered under the scheme, namely bar bending and fixing, wood and aluminium formwork, metal formwork and concreting, drainlaying, site surveying, building surveying and metal work.

The period of training, under qualified trainers provided by each contractor, varies from trade to trade but typically ranges from three months to six months. Trained workers must undergo a CICTA-approved assessment and work for the contractor for a minimum of 12 months for the contractor

36 / The MTR Projects Journal Development of skilled worker in lining shutter

Community Engagement

Taking the community approach

preserving a much-loved tree wall

Colourful hoardings by communities for communities

PROMOTING PUBLIC ART

The MTR Projects Journal / 39 community engagement

Community Ambassadors helping pedestrians navigate a temporary traffic management arrangement

Taking the Community Approach

arly in the new millennium, as planning planned as a short extension of the Island involvement with the local community, began on the new rail lines, we realised Line to Sai Ying Pun, then continuing as a we have been able to agree on workable Ethat people’s aspirations for a better life medium-capacity line to serve the University solutions for the benefit of all. had grown in tandem with a desire to make of Hong Kong, Kennedy Town and the their voices heard. It is important to build communities beyond. Feedback from the We have learnt from this community good infrastructure to serve the community, district, however, prompted us to extend the engagement approach first applied on WIL but even more important to build good Island Line to Kennedy Town and eliminate and extended it to the other new projects. infrastructure that supports the community the need for an interchange between the Today we have developed a comprehensive and has the support of the community. Island Line and the proposed extension. stakeholder engagement approach that encompasses local communities, our staff Beginning with the development of the This win-win approach meant that we were and our contractors. West Island Line (WIL) and South Island able to tap local knowledge to develop a Line (East) (SIL(E)), therefore, we adopted a new line that will serve more residents better Given our ultimate aim of delivering projects public engagement approach from the pre- while the locals were engaged in the process for the greater good of the communities we feasibility stage onwards. The aim: to reach and gained buy-in to the project during its serve, our success is critically dependent out to the communities to be served by the development. The emergence of a reciprocal on the contributions of the whole project new rail lines and to embrace them as our relationship has enabled us to work together team, from the designers to consultants partners as well as customers. in overcoming what might have been and specialists, and our contractors and insurmountable obstacles in order to deliver sub-contractors. To this end stakeholder By reaching out to the districts to understand our projects. In the case of WIL, this meant engagement is now an integral part of our what they need, we have developed new the community accepting the demolition of project management process. We realise lines that, in some cases, are quite different the existing public swimming pool, which that the success of our projects hinges on from what was anticipated in the original we agreed to reprovision, to make way for stakeholder engagement and that every blueprint. For example, WIL was initally Kennedy Town Station. Through our earlier member of the project team has a role to

40 / The MTR Projects Journal community engagement

play. To encourage and support our project The approach is to respond effectively to any To encourage our contractors to take teams to take the communities’ views into issue that may arise by elevating the level of the initiative to innovate and consider account throughout the project life cycle, discussion when staff at the working level are community needs in their work we have invested much time in building a unable to make a decision on the mitigating implementation, last year we launched the culture of stakeholder engagement within action to be taken. Stakeholder Engagement Award in 2012. our organisation, through establishing The first award of its kind in Hong Kong, internal best practices and skills training. Another important ingredient of stakeholder it is presented to the contractor that best engagement is “expectation management”. demonstrates compliance with a set of The process began with the setting up of a Experience tells us that if communities are behaviours and/actions that support the projects stakeholder engagement steering well informed of what will happen in their stakeholder engagement initiatives for the committee with two tiers responsible neighbourhood, for how long and whom project. Along with peer recognition, the for setting strategy and objectives and they can contact to express their concerns, award also serves as a benchmark of best providing our staff with the relevant they will be more understanding and feel practice that can be referenced through the training. The Projects Director is responsible less anxious about the works. Our approach stakeholder engagement site on our internal for managing the overall process while therefore is to mitigate any impact, then to website iShare. the most senior manager of each project keep people informed so they know what to is responsible for chairing the steering expect from the works. Our contractors have been enthusiastic committee, which sets the strategy and about the award, just as local communities objectives of the stakeholder engagement We also reach out to the districts and are enthusiastic about their own railway line programme for each project. This top-down familiarise people with each project through taking shape in their districts. By reaching process is complemented by bottom-up several means of communication, such as out to our partners, we have built up trust input that requires the project engineers our websites, information offices, project with our contractors as we have built up trust and contractors to proactively identify and brochures and community activities. within the districts, which is, after all, the key resolve issues of concern to the community. to the delivery of the new railway lines.

The MTR Projects Journal / 41 community engagement

Preserving a much-loved tree wall

In addition to in-house arborists who look monitoring of groundwater levels, wall tilt, after trees that remain on site and those and soil condition. An independent tree that are transplanted to nurseries during specialist was appointed to monitor the the construction period, we have also protection works. appointed outside experts to assist us in our tree protection work. Well-known tree expert, Professor Jim Chi- yung of the University of Hong Kong, who A good example of our tree protection was invited to develop guidelines for tree work is a magnificent tree wall located on preservation specifically for WIL, has noted Forbes Street, near the West Island Line (WIL) that these protective and monitoring Kennedy Town Station. The tree wall dates measures are a first for Hong Kong and back more than 140 years and features 22 should set a benchmark for the protection Chinese banyans and five Japanese superb of other wall trees in the city. figs, four of which are listed by the Hong Kong Government as Old and Valuable Our interest in preserving large trees other Trees. After listening to the concerns of local than the wall trees and registered Old and residents during the preliminary design Valuable Trees is reflected in our decision stage of the project in 2005, we decided to to reduce the footprint of a work site on move Kennedy Town Station eastward and Pok Fu Lam Road, to minimise its impact on Protective fencing in front of the trees southward to the site of a public swimming the large trees nearby. Where removal was pool, which was subsequently relocated to unavoidable, we have formulated a plan for the Praya at a cost HK$600 million. the transplanting or replanting of the trees within the district. In addition to 52 trees To protect the tree wall, we established that were transplanted and the introduction a zone within 4m of the front of the wall of 29 compensatory trees, we have also and 8m of the back of the wall, where taken 11 trees that were in poor condition excavation or construction work is to a nursery elsewhere, to be nursed back to prohibited, well beyond the 2m rear buffer health. required by government guidelines. In addition, a ground shield was installed Following the success and recognition to prevent wastewater from the works gained for our tree preservation approach from penetrating the soil. The Kennedy on WIL, our teams are adopting these tree TR understands the community’s Town Station overrun tunnel is located protection measures as the standard on aspirations in terms of preserving underneath the tree walls, but at 11m below all MTR projects. As with our efforts to Mnatural greenery in their ground the tunnel and associated works will extend the reach of our railway services neighbourhoods. In developing the five not affect the roots of the trees. into the communities, our commitment to new lines as community railways, our protecting the environment and preserving approach is to take care of the trees along A baseline study of the trees’ condition was green spaces only grows stronger from the alignments as much as possible, as carried out prior to the commencement of project to project. a contribution to the overall health of works and systematic visual assessments the communities we serve as well as our have been conducted on a monthly basis contribution to environmental protection. since 2009, along with daily instrumental

42 / The MTR Projects Journal The health of the tree wall is regularly monitored community engagement

Cool urful hoardings by communities for communities

oardings are traditionally erected to protect the public from the Hnuisance and hazards associated with construction sites. Rather than treating these as a barrier between us and the public, however, we have used the space available on our hoardings as opportunities for closer interaction with local communities.

We have organised hoarding design competitions on all five major ongoing projects as a way to encourage students as well as their teachers and parents to engage with the projects and take an active role in livening up their environment.

These design competitions feature different themes. For a competition organised for the hoardings on a works site near the Bonham Road Government Primary School along West Island Line, the theme “My Environmentally Friendly Community” encouraged students to think about the railway as well as the environment in a creative way. Nine winners were selected out of 40 entries for display on the ex-David Trench Rehabilitation Centre works site hoardings adjacent to the school.

These competitions have yielded colourful works that not only brightened up many hoardings; they have also aroused interest within our local communities and built up anticipation of the railways that will soon be serving them. The informal interactions developed during these competitions have been invaluable in establishing a rapport between the residents and their local railway service provider: The MTR Corporation.

44 / The MTR Projects Journal Winning design by the community, South Island Line (East) C olourful hoardings by communities, for communities Promoting public Art

s a mass transit operator we have • artwork developed by local art, youth and long recognised the opportunity community groups specifically for the Ato brighten commuters’ lives new stations by introducing art in our stations. The • artwork produced by local and development of the five new lines has given international artists us the opportunity to expand the Art in MTR programme, which was launched in West Island Line (WIL), which will commence 1998. We are reaching out to the artistic operation in 2014, is a good example of community as well as local communities this diversity of approach. As part of our by expanding the range of art considered community engagement programme for the new stations. To maximise public there, we have launched a photography participation, we identified prominent competition named “Our Memories of the display areas from the preliminary stage Western District”. The winning entries from of station design so that extensive use of the competition will be collaged into large- community artwork could be incorporated. scale murals in the concourses of Sai Ying Pun Station, Hong Kong University Station Generally three types of artwork are and Kennedy Town Station. Within the large featured in our stations: murals, passengers will discover thousands • the works of local communities who of photos contributed by local residents, are invited to contribute ideas and art reflecting their memories of the district. pieces that capture the unique cultural and historical characteristics of different districts

Station art by Ms Stella So and students, West Island Line

The MTR Projects Journal / 47 community engagement

We have also worked with the Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation to conduct a series of workshops and tours for students as part of the “Our Impressions of Western District” programme, with the resulting unique images of Western District to be displayed in the lift lobbies, lifts and passenger adits of the new stations.

Thirdly, we also organised the “MTR New Railway Lines Art in Station 2012”, in collaboration with the Art Promotion Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, to invite proposals for artwork to be displayed in art-designated areas in WIL, South Island Line (East) and Kwun Tong Line Extension. This is the first open art competition we have organised and over 300 entries were received.

The artworks being planned for the new extension projects, together with the 40 plus artworks already installed in various stations, will make the Art in MTR programme one of the largest public art collections in Hong Kong. These artworks reflect our efforts and commitment to reaching out to communities not just in the construction stage but well into the operating phase of these projects as we work closely with and serve our stakeholders well into the future.

As our Chief Executive Officer Jay Walder has said, “The art we display will signify our commitment to delivering a world-class environment as well as a world-class service. The real beauty of public art is that it is there for everyone’s enjoyment on a daily basis. If we are thinking about that in the context of MTR, that means millions of people seeing it each and every day.” Mural of historical buildings by Mr Luke Ching, West Island Line

48 / The MTR Projects Journal © 2013 MTR Corporation Limited All rights reserved. Reproduction of this work or any part of it by whatever means is not permitted without the prior written consent ofThe MTR Corporation MTR Projects Limited. Journal / 49 MTR Corporation MTR Headquarters Building, Telford Plaza Kowloon Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong GPO Box 9916, Hong Kong Telephone : (852) 2993 2111 Facsimile : (852) 2798 8822 www.mtr.com.hk