Study on Improvements to Pedestrian Links in Mong Kok

In this Transport Department’s assignment, we have proposed various pedestrian links connecting to different destinations in the busy Mong Kok area. All options that we have identified have been tested and appraised in terms of traffic and highway engineering, constructability, aesthetic, social impact, etc. Some of the options proposed will have significant interface with Urban Renewal Authority’s redevelopment. In a few cases, the options will also extensively affect the operation of MTR stations and we have close liaison with them throughout the assignment. We will maintain the same approach on this assignment in order to achieve the smooth interface particularly the connection between the URA development and MTR links and the footbridges proposed in this assignment.

Upgrading of Remaining Section of Kam Tin Road and Lam Kam Road –
Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA)

We were appointed by Highways Department of Hong Kong SAR to carry out a TIA to provide information on the nature and extent of the potential traffic impacts arising from the construction of upgrading of Kam Tin Road Lam Kam Road. The assessment findings is to contribute to decisions on the overall acceptability of the potential adverse traffic impacts arising from the construction of the project and the conditions and requirements for the detailed design and construction of the project. The TIA report consists of the planning data, social-economic assumptions; methodology of developing the area traffic model; assessment and evaluation of traffic impacts in the areas of influence during construction period with details outlining the situation at various critical stages and phasing of construction of the project; and temporary traffic schemes for both the vehicular and pedestrian traffic, measures and construction sequence.

Traffic Forecast on Ningbo Beilun Port Expressway

We were appointed by Inventive Limited to carry out an independent traffic forecast review for the Ningbo Beilun Port Expressway, which was built to an elevated dual two expressway standard with a design speed of 120 km per hour. There are three exits and entrances along the Expressway, namely Beilun Port, Ningbo East and Jiangshan. The toll system for the Expressway is a closed system with fixed toll rates for different vehicles categories. There are changes in terms of toll rates particular for the container and other factors among the previous traffic forecast study and that of the 2006 traffic forecast review study which has affect the results of the traffic forecast. We looked into the above factors and summarise their overall impacts so as to prepare independent forecast of traffic volume for the Expressway. The forecast was accepted by various authorities and concerned parties within a very tight time frame and successfully assist the company in acquiring the Expressway.

Decking of Tonkin Street Nullah at Sham Shui Po, Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA)

With our extensive experience in designing temporary traffic management schemes (TTMS) in urban area, we were directly appointed by DSD to carry out this sensitive TIA for planning of the construction of decking over the existing Tonkin Street Nullah. The existing Tonkin Street Nullah situated at the centre of Tonkin Street in Sham Shui Po District from its junction with Fuk Wing Street to its junction with Po On Road. In between, there were three existing decking spanning across its junction with Un Chau Street, Castle Peak Road, and Shun Ning Road. To design the TTMS for construction, we had conducted manual traffic count survey to collect the most updated traffic flow data at the affected junctions and even nearby junctions within the Area of Influence (AOI) that was agreed with Transport Department at the early stage of project. Besides vehicular traffic, we had also conducted pedestrian traffic at particular locations for assessment of construction options.

The traffic conditions at different sections of Tonkin Street were very much interrelated since the junctions are very close to each other (within 100m apart). Concurrent works would impose significant traffic impacts on to the close proximity. In order to complete the construction works within the prescribed programme, we had explored different options of concurrent work fronts, which the traffic conditions could be maintained within acceptable limits. In the process of preparing the TIA report, we had conducted several discussion meetings with TD, HKP, DSD, etc to understand their concerns and proposed relevant mitigation measures to address them at early stage. In our findings, we could accommodate a maximum of four concurrent work fronts while maintaining the traffic condition within acceptable limits. One of our key achievement to meet this goal, we proposed reversing the traffic flow directions of portion of Wing Lung Street and Fuk Wing Street to reduce the traffic flow along Tonkin Street.

Retrofitting of Noise Barriers on Tseung Kwan O Road, TIA

We are commissioned to undertake the traffic impact assessment for this challenging project. Tseung Kwan O (TKO) Road is a Primary Distributor connecting TKO area with Kowloon District via the TKO Tunnel. The traffic travelling along the concerned section of TKO Road reached over 94,000 vehicles per day comprising with high percentage (over 30%) of heavy goods vehicles. Although the Contract had specified the required number of traffic lanes to be maintained during construction, Transport Department, Hong Kong Police, and other relevant authorities had expressed grave concerns on the implementation of TTA schemes since any disorder would turn into traffic chaos in both the TKO and Kwun Tong areas. More severely, it would affect the traffic of East Harbour Crossing and other areas in East Kowloon.

We had conducted the TIA study and the results indicated that there would be over 2km of queue along TKO Road during afternoon peak hour and the average delay would be within 10 minutes.  Alternative routes and means of transportation were identified and suggested to the public but they are not practically effective due to the long detour and inconvenience.  We also suggested carrying out a two-week trial run to verify our findings in the TIA Report.  There was the Christmas Holidays, which was the perfect time slot for the traffic to get used to the TTA after implementation.  After thorough discussion at the TMLG meeting with TD, HKP, HyD, HAD, etc and with large scale of advanced public notification, the trial run was successfully implemented within short period of time and the results of the trial run matched that of our TIA study.  Our staffs were assigned to monitor the trial run (even during Christmas and New Year Holidays) and surveyors were deployed to collect data at various key locations. The TTA was then successfully implemented and the results were accessed by the public and relevant authorization.

Retrofitting of Noise Barriers on Tsing Tsuen Bridge at
Tsing Yi and Tsuen Wan Approaches

We are appointed as the Independent Traffic Engineer to undertake the Temporary Traffic Management Scheme (TTMS) for Contract No. HY/2007/08 Retrofitting of Noise Barriers on Tsing Tsuen Bridge at Tsing Yi and Tsuen Wan approaches as well as the Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) to formulate the overall conceptual stages for the construction. The objectives of this TIA study are to access the traffic impact arising from the construction works; to propose conceptual staging of the construction of the works so as to minimize the traffic disruption throughout the contract period; to formulate and recommend suitable temporary traffic diversion schemes and traffic management measures during construction; to prepare necessary remedial measures to mitigate the identified impact; and to enable an agreement in principle (AIP) to be reached among relevant Government departments on the conceptual construction staging for the construction. The final TIA Report will then serve as guidelines for making detailed TTMS proposals at later stages of the construction for detail discussion at the regular Traffic Management Liaison Group (TMLG) meetings throughout the construction phase.

After a detailed traffic review, we managed to consolidate the overall construction into 5 stages at the Tsuen Wan Portion and 3 stages at the Tsing Yi Portion with majority of the works to be carried out under full-time basis. The overall construction programme was then hence advanced as well as a better budget/resource control was provided to the Contractor.

Improvement to Pedestrian Subway System at Kwai Fuk Road Roundabout

We are commissioned by undertaking this complicated traffic diversion project. Due to the high traffic volume (mainly container trucks), we identified that lane reduction at the roundabout would not be feasible. We, thus, carry out the TTMS by setting back the kerbline and modifying the shape of the existing roundabout to allow sufficient working spaces for completing the designed works. Swept path analysis for each stage was carried out to verify the feasibility of each scheme. Full set of TTMS had been presented to and agreed by relevant authorities before the works actually proceeded in order to demonstrate the feasibility of the construction. This experience illustrates our expertise in designing stages of TTMS for road improvement works while the traffic impacts on the public are kept to minimal.

West Kowloon Drainage Improvement Works Stage 2 Phase 1 – Remaining Works Stage 3 Phase 1 – Yau Ma Tei Area, Traffic Impact Assessment Study for Drainage Works at Austin Road

We were appointed to carry out a TIA study for works across Austin Road between its junction with Woosung Street and Parkes Street. A large size drainage pipe is proposed to be laid across Austin Road by open trench method. The works nature for this drainage project is very similar to the works across Aberdeen Praya Road near Aberdeen and Tin Wan in this Project. We demonstrated with supporting details that the works can be carried out on a lane-by-lane basis while maintaining two lanes eastbound and one lane westbound according to existing traffic flow pattern. The results were reported and accepted by members of the Traffic Management Liaison Group (TMLG) of the Contract.

Drainage Improvement in Northern Hong Kong Island TIA Studyfor Queen’s Road Central

Queen’s Road Central falls within the most critical business centre of Hong Kong Island and TIA is required for any roadworks along Queen’s Road Central. It will also affect the pedestrian since the pedestrian flow is very high at the junction of Queen’s Road Central and Bonham Strand. The drainage works involves the construction of drainage pipe using trenchless method. However, the locations of the jacking and receiving pits were carefully chosen so that traffic impacts could be minimized. In the TIA report, our findings demonstrated the feasibility of the works and it had been effectively implemented.

Term Contract in Mainland South District (2004 - 2007)

We were commissioned to carry out the TIA study for drainage improvement works near Belvedere Garden regarding the construction a single-cell culvert at junction of Castle Peak Road and Fat Yip Lane. The proposed construction will impose a lot of traffic impacts on the public and the school nearby. A TIA study has been carried out to develop a feasible solution and we have considered various options to minimize the impacts. Banning of movements, widening of carriageway, temporary traffic signal, one way scheme, etc had been explored. The affected road sections were located within a combination of residential, school, and industrial areas and the interests of different parties had been addressed in the TIA report. The TIA was accepted by TD and HKP and the results were presented to the DC. We also assisted DSD in exploring other construction options to overcome the concerns of the local residents.

Proposed Commercial Development on I.L. 7781 at Nos. 196 – 206 Queen’s Road East, Hong Kong – TIA Study for Lifting and Placing Prefabricated Footbridge

A prefabricated footbridge will be transported from the prefabrication yard in Mainland China to the site. The concerned Queen’s Road would be temporarily closed. The TIA is to select the appropriate haul route for transportation of the prefabricated footbridge and the associated diversion route during the road closure period. This TIA study is prepared to identify an appropriate site access location for the project at Lee Tung Street where the traffic impacts will be minimized. We, on behalf of the Contractor, circulate and closely liaise with relevant government authorities including TD and HKP to obtain approval on the TIA report.

Proposed Development of New Niches at Various Locations in
Cape Collinson Chinese Permanent Cemetery

Conduct TIA study on pedestrian and vehicular flow during Ching Ming and Chung Yeung Festivals resulting from the increase of niches. We also propose appropriate mitigation measures to improve the capacity of affected road sections in order to maximize the number of new niches allowed without seriously affected the neighborhood. Construction of Centre for Youth Development at Chai Wan, Hong Kong TIA for Relocation of Site Entrance at Wan Tsui Lane – TIA for Site Access Relocation – In order to facilitate the works within the site boundary, site access has to be relocated. It is proposed to use the dead end portion of Wan Tsui Lane such that the traffic impacts can be minimized. The circulation and liaison works were also handled by us and approval was obtained.