Special attention paid to 'pioneering' surface
When motorists drive over the Ting Kau Bridge after its official opening, their attention is likely to be on the soaring 200- metre-high central tower which is set to become another landmark.
Few are likely to spare a second thought for the surface they are driving on as they cross the imposing triple-tower structure between Tsing Yi Island and the New Territories.
But, for Pioneer Asphalts (Hong Kong), it is a different story. The company's attention has been fixed firmly downwards since being awarded the contract for the road surface on the bridge deck and approach roads.
It was not a big project for the company in tonnage terms, but the specialised requirements of bridge road surfaces made it different to simply working on a new stretch of highway, according to general manager Ian Reid.
'The techniques involved are generally the same but the attention to detail is different because each bridge deck has different characteristics. We have to be very careful to achieve the same level of compaction and smoothness to provide durability,' he said.
Weight was another consideration which needed to be factored into the equation when working on bridges.
Pioneer's role on the bridge started late last year and work continued until the end of last month when the final surfacing was completed.
