The cost of Tseung Kwan O Bridge soars to $5.6 billion

As we all know, there have been many cost overruns on infrastructural projects in recent years. The latest announcement by the government of one such overrun concerns the 1.8-kilometre bridge linking Tsueng Kwan O to Lam Tin Tunnel. The cost has risen to  $5.62 billion, an estimated increase of 80% over five years. Like many other similar projects its completion is also slated to be delayed for two years. It will now not be completed until 2022 and will not be ready in time to link with the Tseung Kwan O – Lam Tin Tunnel, which will be completed three years from now.

Owing to the continuous development of Tseung Kwan O (TKO), the population of TKO District is gradually increasing. The Cross Bay Link will connect the Tseung Kwan O – Lam Tin Tunnel (currently under construction) and the existing Wan Po Road near Area 86 of TKO so as to cope with the additional traffic generated from the anticipated population increase. It will provide an alternative route between TKO and Kowloon bypassing TKO town centre, thus improving traffic condition of TKO town centre area.

The project includes a dual two-lane carriageway of approximately 1.8 km long which spans Junk Bay mainly on a viaduct and connects the Tseung Kwan O – Lam Tin Tunnel and Wan Po Road in TKO Area 86. A cycle track and footpath will be provided alongside the eastbound side of the bridge connecting the southern part of TKO, with associated lifts and staircases connecting the seafront public open space and associated road junction improvement works.

In 2009 the government carried out a public consultation exercise and the option for an “Eternity Arch” was chosen as for the design of the main bridge of Cross Bay Link.