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SCMP Reporter

Building a bridge, particularly the world's longest cable-stayed bridge, is a bit like giving birth - painful, anxious, but in the end a great deal of pride  - according to the chief engineer overseeing Stonecutters Bridge.

Like any expectant father, Michael Hui Chi-ho is excited and nervous at the prospect of delivering the  1.6km bridge on schedule in mid-2008 and within its $2.76 billion budget.

'There are so many eyes on us, both locally and internationally. It's really a bit exciting at this phase,' says Mr Hui, who is conscious of the significance of this ground-breaking project.

'It might be just another bridge to most Hong Kong people, but it is really a big step in the bridge world. No one has tried this length before.'

The bridge, which will span Rambler Channel, has been under construction since last April. Tatara Bridge in Japan, at 120 metres shorter, is now the longest bridge of this type in the world.

Mr Hui says the biggest risk is ensuring there is enough support for the two cantilevers, which are extended from each end of the bridge at the same time.

'When they reach the central line, the two cantilevers will be at their longest stretch, and the bridge deck will be at its most flexible,' he explains.

'But after the two ends are connected, the bridge will become stiffer. Triumph or defeat will be decided at this moment.'

This decisive point will be reached at the end of 2007.

Besides building the bridge, Mr Hui is studying for a PhD in bridge aerodynamics with Shanghai's Tongji University, which is famous for bridge research.

After initial study in Hong Kong, he now regularly travels to Shanghai where he is continuing his course and carrying out wind tunnel experiments on long-span bridge construction.

'We can get help from top scientists in this field there. And my experiments there will contribute to the construction of Stonecutters Bridge.'

The bridge is a crucial element in the 30.1 km Route 8 Expressway from Sha Tin to Chek Lap Kok airport, via Cheung Sha Wan and Tsing Yi. With the 16.6km airport-Tsing Yi section already completed, work is under way on the 7.6km section from Tsing Yi to Cheung Sha Wan, and the 5.9km route from Cheung Sha Wan to Sha Tin.

The new highway should ease the predicted traffic congestion in 2007-2008.

Mr Hui has dedicated his 24-year career to Hong Kong's roads and bridges. After graduating from the University of Hong Kong in 1981, he joined the Environment, Transports and Works Bureau. Three years later, he became an assistant engineer with the Highways Department, where he has been ever since.

The engineering veteran has worked on a number of road improvement and bridge maintenance projects and taken part in construction projects including the Sha Tau Kok Border Link and Cheung Tsing Tunnel, the first tunnel to be built on Tsing Yi.

The latter gave him valuable experience for his current work on the Nam Wan Tunnel.

The tunnel will link Stonecutters Bridge on the eastern side of Tsing Yi with the Cheung Tsing Highway, which leads to the Ting Kau Bridge and Tsing Ma Bridge on its western end.

'The tunnel is much easier for me,' says Mr Hui, adding that the design is similar to the Cheung Tsing Tunnel. 'They go through the same hill, we already know its nature and temperament.'

The Nam Wan Tunnel is expected to bore through on February 25, and piling work on Stonecutters Bridge is underway.

'Everything is going well so far. We can complete both jobs on schedule.'



Engineer's span reaches for record