The Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Tunnel (TM-CLKT), the longest underwater tunnel in Hong Kong, was opened to traffic on 27 December 2020, allowing motorists to travel between the Northwest New Territories and Northern Lantau more conveniently and efficiently. More than two years ago, the EMSD had proactively assisted the Transport Department (TD) in the preparatory work, and since early 2020, we had worked more closely with various stakeholders, by taking part in inter-departmental conferences, discussion on the commissioning arrangements, and formulation of contingency plans, as well as offering professional and technical support for the commissioning of the tunnel. The EMSD conducted technical assessments on various electrical and mechanical (E&M) equipment and systems of the TM-CLKT three months before the tunnel was put into service. A final check was also carried out in the final week to ensure proper functioning of the E&M facilities and thereby a smooth commissioning.
In addition, to tie in with the implementation of a toll waiver for the Lantau Link on the same day of the commissioning of the TM-CLKT, the EMSD had assisted the TD in monitoring the related E&M systems and toll equipment since late 2019. The EMSD had also conducted technical assessments on the systems subject to adjustment, and offered professional and technical support to ensure a smooth transition on the material day. On the eve of the commissioning of the TM-CLKT, the EMSD oversaw the technical adjustments of the toll waiver system of the Lantau Link and the preparatory work for the commissioning of the TM-CLKT simultaneously, ensuring the concurrent and punctual delivery of both projects.
With the close collaboration between the client department, tunnel operators, various stakeholders and the EMSD team, both the commissioning of the TM-CLKT and the Lantau Link toll waiver were accomplished as planned. In the future, we will continue to offer professional and technical support to our clients, with a view to enabling their provision of safe and reliable transportation services for the public.