MTR unveils new station construction technique

Hung Shui Kiu Station on the Tuen Ma Line, due to open in 2030,

will be built using a new ''skidding construction'' approach.

It will be the first station in the world to use the method

on an operating railway viaduct,

reducing reliance on overnight construction.

How can a new station be built in the middle of an operating railway?

Hung Shui Kiu Station is being added

between two existing stations on the Tuen Ma Line,

and is expected to significantly cut journeys times

for local residents.

Traditionally, construction work can only be carried out during the ''Golden Two Hours'' after train services end.

MTR says its new approach will allow construction

to be carried out more flexibly, in 3 main stages.

First, factory-made components will be assembled

around 30 metres from the viaduct.

Then, large hydraulic systems will gradually skid the two structures into position.

Each structure is 210 metres long,

15 metres wide and weighs about 10,000 tonnes.

The final stage will involve installing the remaining electrical equipment,

followed by testing and commissioning.

MTR says similar skidding techniques have been used in other projects,

but applying it to build a station on an operating railway viaduct is a world first.

MTR's Capital Works Director Carl Devlin said, "We will be carrying out many tests on the movement and skidding operation well

in advance of the actual skidding to test the system,

to make sure that the controls that we've in place work exactly as we expect."

"And the station can move in both directions with the skidding method,

so if we need to bring the station back for any reason, we're also able to do that," said Devlin.

The station is expected to open in 2030.

The critical final 2 metres of skidding may require service adjustments

affecting 3 stations for up to 4 days.

With details still being discussed,

MTR says it will minimise the impact on passengers.