Foundation works have been halted at the site of the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) Oyster Bay Station after monitoring checkpoints recorded the upheaval data exceeding pre-set trigger levels.
According to a government spokesperson, five monitoring checkpoints on the section of Tung Chung Line railway tracks near Siu Ho Wan Depot recorded upheaving movements of 22 to 48 millimeters on Tuesday (Jul 15), which surpassed the pre-set trigger level of 20 millimeters for work suspension.
The incident reportedly occurred during the precautionary grouting works for the socketed steel H-pile works of the Oyster Bay Station project.
The monitoring points were installed to fulfil the requirement of the MTRCL in accordance with railway protection protocols, aimed at tracking settlement data from nearby projects and ensuring the structural integrity and operational safety of railway facilities.
Following established procedures, the spokesperson announced that relevant project works were suspended that same day.
Additionally, staff from the Buildings Department (BD) and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) were deployed to inspect the affected railway track at midnight, confirming the supports for the railway tracks to be structurally safe.
After reviewing the monitoring records and assessment reports submitted by MTR, the EMSD agreed that the railway's condition meets operational safety requirements, noting that the incident posed no threat to the structural safety of railway facilities or safe operations.
To ensure the structural safety of railway facilities and the safe operation of the railway, the BD, EMSD, and MTRCL will continue to closely monitor the situation.
Meanwhile, the BD and MTRCL have requested registered building professionals responsible for the project to formulate mitigation measures and adopt construction methods that minimize possible effects on railway facilities.
Upon receiving proposals for mitigation measures, or amendment plans, and applications for the resumption of works, the BD will conduct thorough reviews to ensure the structural safety of the railway infrastructure.
The EMSD has also required the MTRCL to implement stringent monitoring measures to maintain the safe operation of the railway.
When the requests for resumption of work are approved, both departments will inform the public of their decision.
(Phoebe Poon)
