THE Kwai Chung viaduct contract has been awarded for $2.268 billion to a joint venture consisting of Sogia, Campenon Bernard STE, and Franki Contractors.
One of several contracts in the ACP portion of Route 3, the elevated dual four-lane expressway, runs the three kilometres between Mai Foo and Rambler Channel.
It will carry not only airport traffic, but container port traffic, especially that coming from the upcoming Container Terminal 9.
According to the Highways Department's chief engineer, C. K. Wong, the work started on May 5.
The contractor is now engaged in a detailed design that changes the method from a ''voided slab'' construction to a ''beam and slab'' plan.
''The accepted design is an alternative design, and the contractors are now proceeding with the detailed submission,'' said Mr Wong.
''The structure will be lighter, and will achieve savings for the contractor.'' Mr Wong said the Highways Department was scheduled to receive the detailed design work by September, when the foundation work should begin.
