A Government spokesman said today (July 17) that, during the precautionary grouting works for the socketed steel H-pile works of the proposed MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) Oyster Bay Station project at Lantau Island, upheaving of 22 to 48 millimetres was recorded on July 15 at five monitoring checkpoints installed on the section of the MTRCL's Tung Chung Line railway tracks near Siu Ho Wan Depot, exceeding the pre-set trigger level for works suspension (i.e. 20mm). In accordance with the established procedures, the relevant works of the project were suspended on the same day.

     The relevant monitoring checkpoints were installed to meet the requirement of the MTRCL in accordance with the procedures for railway protection. These procedures aim to facilitate the monitoring of settlement data of nearby projects, thereby ensuring the structural safety of railway facilities and the safety of railway operations.

     The Buildings Department (BD) and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) deployed staff to inspect the affected railway tracks at midnight on July 15. The BD confirmed that the supports for the railway tracks are structurally safe. The EMSD has reviewed the monitoring data and assessment report submitted by the MTRCL in relation to the safe operation of the railway and agreed with the assessment report and confirmed that the condition of the railway fulfils the operational safety requirements. The condition concerned has not affected the structural safety of railway facilities and the safe operation of the railway.

     The BD, the EMSD and the MTRCL will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure the structural safety of railway facilities and the safe operation of the railway.

     The BD and the MTRCL have requested the registered building professionals responsible for the project to formulate mitigation measures and adopt a construction method that would alleviate possible effects on the railway facilities.

     Upon receipt of the proposed mitigation measures or amendment plans of the project and application for resumption of works, the BD will vigorously scrutinise the proposals to ensure the structural safety of the railway facilities. The EMSD has required the MTRCL to implement stringent monitoring measures to ensure the safe operation of the railway. When the application for resumption of works has been approved, the BD and the EMSD will announce the decision to the public.

Ends/Thursday, July 17, 2025
Issued at HKT 17:35

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