Gammon wins major road widening contract

Gammon Construction has won a HK$ 2.4 billion (US$ 309 million) contract to widen sections of the Tolo and Fanling highways in Hong Kong for the (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) HKSAR Highways Department.

The widened highway will help alleviate traffic congestion and will meet future traffic demand on the Tolo highway leading to the Fanling highway.

The 40-month contract, due to start later this month, will involve the widening of a 3.5 km long section of the Tolo and Fanling Highways between Ma Wo and Tai Hang. It requires converting the existing dual three-lane carriageways to dual four-lane carriageways.

The project involves modifying or demolishing five existing bridges and constructing eight vehicular bridges including all associated interchanges and utilities. The contract also requires a 12-month maintenance period of the widened road.

In a statement from Gammon, Thomas Ho, the company's chief executive said, "We are excited to be awarded this contract and taking part in enhancing the quality of life of people residing in the North-east New Territories.

"We are fully committed to the challenges ahead and are confident that we will safely deliver the project in highest quality and within the construction programme."

In addition to carrying out standard measures to reduce noise and air pollution, the contractor aims to recycle demolition materials to reduce the amount disposed at landfill and will use the demolished bridge sections to create an artificial reef.

Gammon, in which Balfour Beatty has a 50% shareholding, will also provide a comprehensive Temporary Traffic Arrangement (TTA) system to maintain the busy traffic at Tolo highway during the construction period.