Management contract for Cross Harbour Tunnel awarded

The Transport Department (TD) announces today (May 30) that the Hong Kong Tunnels and Highways Management Company Limited has been selected as the successful tenderer for the new management contract of the Cross Harbour Tunnel (CHT).

Announcing the tender result, a TD spokesman said: "The new management contract will commence on September 1, 2002. The contractor will be required to manage and operate the CHT and to carry out routine maintenance of roads, buildings and other structures within the tunnel areas."

In response to the open tender invitation issued on February 15, 2002, a total of 6 bids were received at the close of the tender on April 12, 2002.

An inter-departmental Tender Assessment Board comprising representatives from TD, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), Highways Department (HyD) and Civil Engineering Department (CED) was formed to evaluate all the tender proposals. Factors such as the tenderers' experience in the tunnel and road management field; management and financial capabilities; the management, operation, maintenance, staff deployment, salary and gearing up proposals and remuneration proposals for the contract were all carefully evaluated according to a set of pre-agreed assessment criteria.

The Hong Kong Tunnels and Highways Management Limited, who is also the existing contractor for CHT, scored the highest marks and was hence awarded the new contract.

End/Thursday, May 30, 2002