Combination of technologies ensures minimal disruption to busy marine route

The development of Hong Kong’s new airport required additional road and rail projects to cater for the increased traffic. The Rambler Channel Rail Bridge was a key link in the rail system, running from the Airport Express station at Tsing Yi, over the Rambler Channel, into Kwai Chung Park. The bridge, intended to carry four rail tracks over two decks, required an advanced level of design and engineering.

Using the balanced cantilever method and precast segments, a launching girder was employed to lower the individual segments into place. At eight metres high and weighing 120 tonnes each, the two-level main deck segments, were believed to be the largest ever produced for a precast segmental bridge.

By adopting a combination of different techniques, construction time was shortened and marine traffic routes remained open throughout the whole construction period.