Dragages Hong Kong in partnership with Japan’s Nishimatsu Construction was expected to land a US$350M contract to build the first of three large drainage tunnels in Hong Kong, as T&TI went to press.
Hong Kong’s West Drainage Tunnel is to be built under a design and build contract, for which the government’s estimate was 15% lower than the tipped winning bid. Sources said the additional cost in the bid was likely to be covered by project contingencies factored into the budget.
Three groups bid for the contract, the rivals being Leighton Contractors with John Holland, and China Harbour Engineering in partnership with Shanghai Tunnel Engineering and Alpine Meyreder. The supervising engineer is Arup, and Maunsell is to work for the Dragages-Nishimatsu group.
Work involves the design and construction of a 10.5km long drainage tunnel with internal diameter varying 6.25m-7.25m. The scheme also includes the construction of intake structures, drop-shafts, 8km of adits to connect the drop-shafts with the main tunnel, and Slope stabilisation works associated with the intake structures. Construction work is due for completion in November 2011.
The Drainage Services Department is also planning to award a contract in December for the construction of a 5km long tunnel in Tsuen Wan, Kowloon. Three groups lodged tenders in early October, technical proposals were opened early last month and financial offers a few weeks later.
The three groups bidding for the project are Leighton Contractors again in joint venture with John Holland; China Harbour Engineering also with Shanghai Tunnel Engineering and Alpine Meyreder; and, Maeda Corporation with China Railway Engineering and SELI.
Work involves the construction of a 6.5m diameter, 5km long drainage tunnel from Kwai Chung to Tsuen Wan, together with an outfall portal and three intakes, and about 80m of associated connection adits and ancillary works.
The final scheme is the Lai Chi Kok transfer scheme, which comprises the construction of a 2.8km long, 3m diameter tunnel from the Kowloon Byewash reservoir to the lower Shing Ming reservoir together with intake and outfall structures. The three prequalified contractors are: Leighton Contractors with John Holland; Nishimatsu Construction with Dragages Hong Kong; and, China Harbour Engineering with Shanghai Tunnel Engineering and Alpine Meyreder.
