Commencing in late March 2024, the bulk excavation works of Kwu Tung Station on the East Rail Line have been smoothly completed in September 2024, unearthing the tunnel structure that was built during construction of the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line on the East Rail Line.
The upper photo shows the completion of bulk excavation works at Kwu Tung Station on the East Rail Line in 2024; the lower photo depicts the construction of the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line on the East Rail Line in Kwu Tung in 2003.
This bulk excavation was particularly challenging because the operating tunnel of the East Rail Line is right beneath the excavated area. In view of this, the project team had to carefully plan and carry out the excavation works.
After the first-layer excavation, the project team started to stabilise the ground by installing metal struts to support the soil's weight on both sides, before proceeding with the remaining excavation works.
Over a period of six months, the project team excavated the soil in three layers to a depth of approximately 10 metres, with the volume of soil removed equivalent to the size of 40 standard swimming pools. To smoothly advance the project, the project team followed a systematic and gradual excavation of soil and metal struts installation, while also coordinating precise control and monitoring of the groundwater to ensure the stability of the tunnel structure and maintain the daily operations of the East Rail Line.
The smooth completion of the bulk excavation works marks a milestone of the project.
Upon the completion of the bulk excavation works, the project team will commence the major construction works for the station in full swing. This will involve progressively building the station concourse, ground-level entrances/exits and other railway ancillary facilities during the daytime, while striving to carry out works such as installing platform screen doors and modifying the platforms during the non-traffic hours at night.
The project team will continue to work day and night, striving to complete the Kwu Tung Station on the East Rail Line project by 2027.
The great success of the bulk excavation works relied on the close collaboration among different teams.
