Hong Kong’s Northern Link Design Contracts Awarded

16th August 2021

As the current batch of MTR extensions start operation, the next batch of projects is getting underway. These new projects were originally conceived in Hong Kong’s Transport and Housing Bureau Railway Development Strategy 2014 report. CDC’s 2017 article Planning Down the Line provided an overview of some of the schemes.

The Tung Chung and Tuen Mun extensions were given the green light in 2020. This year attention has turned to the Northern Link. The new line will link the existing Kam Sheung Road Station on the West Rail Line with the Lok Ma Chau Spur line via a new interchange station at Kwu Tung. There will be new intermediate stations at Au Tau, Ngau Tam Mei and San Tin.

The 10.7km line is being developed in two phases, with the underground Kwu Tung station commencing first. The design for this package was awarded to Ove Arup and Partners in April of this year. The design and construction of the station will be a challenging endeavour as the new station will interface with the existing underground Lok Ma Chau spur line. Projected costs for Phase 1 are approximately HK$3.5 billion with construction expected to commence in 2023 and be completed in 2027.

In July, MTR awarded the second contract for preliminary design and planning for Phase 2 of the Northern Link to Arup Aecom Joint Venture. The package includes the development of the scheme into an engineering design, preparation of the construction programme, gazetting and project cost estimates. Indicative costs for Phase 2 are approximately HK$58 billion with construction expected to commence in 2025 and be complete in 2034.

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