External prestressing technology allows for easy maintenance

Building on the success of the launching girder technique used on the Kwun Tong Bypass, Dragages employed similar methods to build the Rambler Channel Bridge.

Engineers further enhanced the construction process by adopting external prestressing in all the segments, a technical first in Hong Kong. The method not only saved time and cost, but also allowed for ease of maintenance and upgrading works in the future.

A major constraining factor onsite was the lack of access at both ends of the bridge. To overcome this, Dragages used a heavy lifting segment elevator to raise parts of the bridge to the deck level.

The result of Dragages initiatives was a shorter project, lower material costs and minimal disruption to marine traffic in the busy Rambler Channel.