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Delivering a Critical East-West Transport Link for Hong Kong

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The Central Kowloon Route (CKR) is a major strategic transport infrastructure project that provides a direct east-west connection between West Kowloon and Kai Tak Development. Designed to alleviate chronic congestion across Central Kowloon, the route forms a key section of Hong Kong’s Route 6 transport corridor and is expected to reduce peak-hour travel times between Yau Ma Tei and Kai Tak from approximately thirty minutes to just five minutes.

  • Location

    Kowloon, Hong Kong

  • Period

    2018–2026

  • Site area

    4.7 km strategic transport corridor

  • Member companies

    SMEC

  • Impact

    The CKR will transform mobility across Kowloon by providing a high-capacity alternative route that bypasses congested urban roads. The project supports Hong Kong’s long-term transport strategy, improves connectivity between key economic districts, and contributes to a more sustainable urban environment through reduced traffic congestion, lower vehicle emissions, and improved quality of life for surrounding communities.

  • 0.9km

    Cut-and-cover underwater tunnel at Kai Tak West Section

  • 3.2km

    Total tunnel length

  • 4.7km

    Dual three-lane expressway

  • 2.8km

    Drill-and-blast twin tunnel with TBM pilot tunnel 1.5 km long

Connecting Kowloon Through Complex Urban Tunnelling

The Central Kowloon Route (CKR) is one of Hong Kong’s most significant transport infrastructure projects, creating a direct east-west connection between West Kowloon and the Kai Tak Development Area. As a key component of the city’s strategic Route 6 corridor, the project is designed to address longstanding congestion challenges while enhancing connectivity across major residential, commercial, logistics and aviation hubs. 

 

The 4.7 km dual three-lane expressway incorporates complex underground engineering works, including a TBM pilot tunnel 1.5 km long, a 2.8 km drill-and-blast twin tunnel beneath densely developed urban districts and a cut-and-cover underwater tunnel within Kai Tak. The project required innovative construction solutions to navigate existing transport infrastructure, minimise environmental impacts and maintain uninterrupted city operations. 

SMEC provided Independent Checking Engineer (ICE) services across multiple CKR project packages, supporting the contractor through independent review of design submissions, verification of key design assumptions, and review of temporary works. Our role helped provide an additional level of assurance on the robustness, safety and technical compliance of the contractor’s design for this complex urban tunnelling project. 

 

Upon full commissioning, the CKR is expected to reduce travel times between Yau Ma Tei and Kai Tak from approximately 30 minutes to just 5 minutes during peak periods, improving mobility, supporting economic growth and contributing to a more sustainable, connected and liveable Hong Kong. 

The outcome

The project establishes a critical transport link across Hong Kong, significantly reducing congestion and travel times while improving network resilience and connectivity. As part of Route 6, the CKR will strengthen links between Kowloon East, Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong Island, the airport and key logistics hubs, supporting future urban growth and economic development.

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