5.2K 
Underway since the 1990s, the Central and Wan Chai Reclamation project has gradually extended the north shore of Hong Kong Island into Victoria Harbour. Doing so has created more land for waterfront development from Sheung Wan to Causeway Bay, allowing several building and transportation projects to move forward. One of them is the Central–Wan Chai Bypass, a 4.5-kilometre dual three-lane highway tunnel running between Sheung Wan in the west to Fortress Hill in the east. Designed to alleviate traffic congestion along the Gloucester Road-Harcourt Road-Connaught Road central corridor, the strategic road will connect to the Island Eastern Corridor expressway at the northeastern shore of Hong Kong Island.
The project has utilized 'Drill-and-Break' tunnelling technology to excavate a mined tunnel 26 metres below ground and 16 metres below the water level of the neighbouring Victoria Harbour. The roadway navigates Hong Kong's existing circulation system by passing 20 metres beneath the southern approach ramp of the Cross-Harbour Tunnel, the earliest-built of the city's three vehicular harbour crossings. That tunnel is a vital connection between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon across Victoria Harbour, carrying about 120,000 vehicles every day.
The original budget of $28 billion has ballooned to more than $36 billion, an increase attributed by the government to unforeseen geotechnical challenges and fluctuating labour costs. The initial anticipated completion date of 2017 also appears unlikely to be met, as workers encountered a large metal object — likely a sunken ship — on the seabed that delayed reclamation works.
To ensure a constant flow of fresh air into the tunnel, three ventilation buildings will be positioned along the span of the roadway, one at each end and one in the middle. The ventilation system will discharge exhaust and smoke in the case of fire incidents. When complete, barring major traffic jams, commuters will benefit from a speedy five-minute travel time from Central to Island Eastern Corridor.
Additional images and information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion or share your photos? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.
