June_1971 — Page 9

news review

Bridge link to Tsing Yi to cost HK$25.5 m

A 2,000 ft. long road bridge is to be built across Rambler Channel to link the island of Tsing Yi with the mainland of the New Territories, Hong Kong. It will cost HK$25.5 million, of which HK$7.5 million will be spent by Government on the construction of approach roads.

The remaining HK$18 million will be contribut- ed by the heavy industries now operating on Tsing

Yi Island; these include: China Light & Power Co. Ltd., Mobil Oil Hong Kong Ltd., Esso Standard Oil (HK) Ltd., Gulf Hong Kong Inc., Hong Kong Cement Manufacturing Co. Ltd. and International Containers Ltd.

A new company, Tsing Yi Bridge Co. Ltd., under the chairmanship of Mr. Lawrence Kadoorie, has been formed to carry out the project which, on completion in late 1973, will be handed over free to Government who will then assume full control.

Consulting engineers for the bridge are W.V. Zinn and Associates. The construction contract has been awarded to Gammon (HK) Ltd. Work will begin in September this year.

The bridge will comprise five equal spans of 400 ft. A span will be formed by the adjacent arms of double balanced cantilevers, each pair of which will be carried upon a pier rising 60 ft. above water

Far East BUILDER, June 1971

level. The piers will be supported by massive cir- cular caissons resting on piles driven into the sea bed.

The cantilevers will be constructed of prestress- ed concrete and will take the form of hollow box sections: the space inside being utilised to accom- modate power cables and two oil lines. Strength to withstand the effects of typhoons, waves and accidental collisions is provided for in the bridge design.

The roadway, which will be 24 ft. wide with 5 ft. wide footpaths on either side, will be located on top of the hollow box, while water mains will be attached to the sides. The roadway will be equip- ped with fire hydrants and street lighting and the piers will carry navigation warning lights.

Oceanarium project gets go-ahead

Agreement in principle to the free grant of land in the Brick Hill area of Aberdeen for the purpose of constructing and developing an oceanarium, has been given by Government to the stewards of the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club. The site covers 222 acres between the Police Training School and the Hong Kong Country Club.

In 1970, the Jockey Club invited Dr. Kenneth S. Norris, director of the Oceanic Institute of Hawaii, to carry out an on-site study of the feasibi- lity of establishing an oceanarium in the area. As a result of his report, and Government's decision on the land, the stewards have decided to proceed quickly with the development of a park-ocean- arium complex. Dr. Norris will be invited to return to the colony to plan and develop the project with his own team of experts.

Building programme for universities

A further building programme for Hong Kong's universities has been agreed by Government and announced by the University Grants Committee.

It covers the years 1972 to 1975 and continues the building programme announced in early 1968 which provided HK$20 million for academic and administrative buildings at the University of Hong Kong and HK$77 million for similar buildings at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. A staff hous- ing programme was also announced in early 1969 providing HK$10.5 million at the Chinese Univer- sity and HK$5.5 million at HKU,

In the new programme from 1972 academic and administrative buildings will cost HK$34,37 million at the Chinese University and HK$21.88 million at HKU, including professional fees, furni- ture and equipment.

In addition there is a new programme for senior staff housing. The cost of this including fees, etc. will be HK$8.43 at the Chinese University and HK$5.52 million at HKU.

Together the two new programmes amount to a

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