For discussion FCR(2001-02)14

on 8 June 2001

ITEM FOR FINANCE COMMITTEE

CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND

HEAD 708 - CAPITAL SUBVENTIONS AND MAJOR SYSTEMS AND
EQUIPMENT
Transport Department
New Subhead “Replacement of traffic control and surveillance system in Lion
Rock Tunnel”

Members are invited to approve a new commitment of

$119.4 million for replacing the traffic control and
surveillance system in Lion Rock Tunnel.

PROBLEM

The existing traffic control and surveillance system (TCSS) in Lion

Rock Tunnel is reaching the end of its serviceable life. We need to maintain the
reliability of the system to ensure safe and efficient tunnel operation and to avoid
traffic congestion.

PROPOSAL

2. We propose to replace the existing TCSS in Lion Rock Tunnel at an

estimated cost of $119.4 million.

JUSTIFICATION

3. The existing TCSS in Lion Rock Tunnel was installed when the first
tube opened in 1967 and extended to cover the second tube when the latter opened
in 1978. Some aged sub-systems were replaced piecemeal in the late 80’s. Though
the system is subject to regular maintenance and is rendering smooth operation, the
Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services (DEMS) considers that the core
components of the existing system are reaching the end of their serviceable life. It
is also getting increasingly difficult to purchase spare parts to maintain the obsolete
TCSS equipment.
/4. .....
 FCR(2001-02)14 Page 2

4. First designed some 30 years ago, the existing TCSS relies totally on
the operators for traffic control manually. A modern TCSS, however, provides
important elements like automatic incident detection system, colour closed circuit
television (CCTV) system and computerised traffic plan system as standard
components.

5. Transport Department (TD) proposes to replace the existing TCSS in

Lion Rock Tunnel with a modern TCSS to ensure the continued provision of a
reliable and efficient system to control and monitor the tunnel traffic. This will also
bring the facilities and equipment of the tunnel in line with other modern tunnels.

Major Features of the New System

6. The new TCSS will be fully computerised using state-of-art

technology and designed as a single integrated system. For example, under the new
system when an over-height alarm is raised, the nearby CCTV camera will
automatically pan to the incident site. The efficiency in incident handling and the
mobilisation of recovery vehicles will thus be enhanced. Details of the proposed
TCSS equipment and their features as compared with the features of the existing
Encl. 1 equipment are shown at Enclosure 1.

7. There is no computerised traffic plan system in the existing TCSS.

Tunnel operators manually switch on and off different button arrays to change the
traffic signs and signals and other field equipment for implementing different
tunnel traffic plans. With the new TCSS, a number of pre-programmed traffic plans
will be devised and stored in a new traffic management computer. When there is a
need to change the tunnel traffic plan, operators can select and execute the
appropriate traffic plan from the computer. The computer controls the change of
traffic signs, signals and other field equipment as well as checks against any
conflicts in the signs and signals. This greatly increases the efficiency and
reliability in traffic control and safety of the tunnel.

8. The detailed computerised traffic plans will be designed by the traffic

sub-consultants of this project. In particular, they will review the tidal flow
arrangements of the tunnel to devise the most efficient computerised tidal flow
plans. A major consideration of the tidal flow plans is automation. The sub-
consultants will study the latest technology and practical experiences in overseas
places with a view to developing traffic plans that will minimise the lead-time for
future implementation of tidal flow.

/9. .....
 FCR(2001-02)14 Page 3

9. Full Variable Messages Signs (FVMS) will be erected on gantries at

strategic locations of the main approach roads to provide traffic information of the
tunnel to motorists so that they could take alternative routes in case of congestion or
tunnel closure. FVMS are large and bright signs capable of displaying real-time
bilingual messages. It is also possible for these signs to display traffic information
from the forthcoming intelligent transport systems such as the Transport
Information System or the Journey Time Indication System. At secondary
approach roads where it is not practical to have FVMS, there will be Limited
Variable Message Signs (LVMS) to display critical traffic information (e.g. Tunnel
Closed/Congested) to tunnel users. The tentative locations of the FVMS and
Encl. 2 LVMS are shown at Enclosure 2. The tunnel tubes and their approach roads will
also be equipped with signs and signals which are brighter, more reliable and
require less maintenance.

10. At present there is no Automatic Incident Detection System (AIDS)

installed in Lion Rock Tunnel. We will take this opportunity to install an AIDS in
Lion Rock Tunnel to help operators detect traffic incidents and prevent secondary
accidents. The vehicle detectors will be of the overhead type to allow maintenance
to be carried out without affecting normal traffic.

11. New high-resolution colour CCTV will be adopted, rendering more

effective surveillance and quicker identification of traffic incidents.

Implementation programme

12. We plan to start the project in mid 2001 and complete it in about 50
Encl. 3 months. A work programme is at Enclosure 3. The first 28 months are for
preparatory works, including detailed investigation, system design, specification
preparation and tendering. The latter 22 months are for system installation, testing
and commissioning. The works contract is expected to commence in November
2003 for completion by September 2005.

13. We will plan and implement the project with minimal traffic impact
to the tunnel as far as possible. There will be proper temporary traffic management
measures to facilitate equipment installation. For equipment installation and
testing inside the tunnel tubes, works will only be carried out at night in the closed
tube when the tunnel is operating under the one-tube-two-way mode for normal
maintenance.

/FINANCIAL .....
FCR(2001-02)14 Page 4

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

14. We estimate the capital cost of the project to be $119.4 million, made
up as follows –

$ million
(a) Electronic, electrical and mechanical equipment 85.0
installation
(i) computer hardware and software 12.0
(ii) data communication system 5.3
(iii) colour closed circuit television system 10.5
(iv) automatic incident detection system 5.7
(v) signs, signals and other field equipment 30.0
(vi) uninterruptible power supply 1.0
(vii) cables, accessories and spares 14.2
(viii) testing, commissioning, training and 5.5
documentation
(ix) dismantlement and disposal of replaced 0.8
equipment

(b) Related installation and works 14.0

(i) cable ducts 1.7
(ii) mountings for gantry signs 1.8
(iii) mountings for roadside signs and signal 1.5
(iv) civil, builder and building services works 9.0
and contract preliminaries

(c) Project management charges by Electrical and 10.5

Mechanical Services Trading Fund (EMSTF)

(d) Contingency [10% of (a) to (b)] 9.9

Total 119.4

15. As regards paragraph 14(a), the cost of $85 million is for the
dismantling and removal of the existing TCSS equipment, the supply, installation,
testing and commissioning of a new system comprising computer hardware and
software, data communication network, colour CCTV sub-system, automatic
incident detection devices, various traffic signs, signals and field equipment (e.g.
over-height detectors, variable message signs, traffic lights, lane signals and remote
control signs), as well as the associated cabling work.

/16. .....
 FCR(2001-02)14 Page 5

16. As regards paragraph 14(b), the cost of $14 million is for the related
civil, builder and building services works such as cable ducting, erecting gantries
and mountings for signs and signals, building equipment room, engagement of civil
and traffic engineering consultants and contract preliminaries.

17. As regards paragraph 14(c), the cost of $10.5 million is for paying the
EMSTF engineering consultancy services. EMSTF will undertake the whole
project which includes feasibility study, definition of requirements, preparation of
project programme and estimates, design, tendering, site inspection, installation
supervision, testing and commissioning, as well as monitoring defect rectification
Encl. 4 during the defect liability period. A computation of the charges is at Enclosure 4.

18. Subject to approval, we will phase the expenditure as follows −

Year $ million

2001 – 02 2.1
2002 – 03 11.7
2003 – 04 22.1
2004 – 05 39.8
2005 – 06 43.7
Total 119.4

19. There will be no additional recurrent expenditure. The operation and

maintenance costs of the system will be borne by the tunnel management
contractor.

20. We shall award the contract on a lump-sum fixed price basis. We

consider that the fee charged by EMSTF is reasonable when compared to fees
charged by consultancy firms in the private sector for projects of similar nature.

21. The above proposal will have no impact on toll charges of the tunnel.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

22. The two tunnel tubes of Lion Rock Tunnel started operation in 1967
and 1978 respectively. The tunnel is currently being operated by a management
contractor, and TD is responsible for the timely replacement of major systems in
the tunnel in consultation with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department.

/23. ....
FCR(2001-02)14 Page 6

23. In general, TCSS is installed in a tunnel and along its approaches for
the safe operation of the tunnel and real-time monitoring of tunnel traffic. There are
two kinds of facilities in a TCSS. The traffic control facilities are designed to guide
the motorists through the tunnel safely and efficiently. The traffic surveillance
facilities allow the tunnel operator to observe and monitor the actual traffic
condition in the tunnel area at all times and act promptly if there are incidents.

24. We consulted the Legislative Council Panel on Transport on

30 March 2001 on this proposal. Members in general supported the proposal but
requested the Administration to provide further details of the proposal and to
consult the Traffic and Transport Committee of the Sha Tin District Council.

25. We consulted the Traffic and Transport Committee of the Sha Tin
District Council at its meeting on 8 May 2001. Members strongly supported the
proposal and had the following comments −

(a) the project duration should be shortened where possible;

(b) the locations of the variable message signs should be carefully
planned to optimise the informative function of these signs; and
(c) disruption to the tunnel traffic should be kept to the minimum during
project implementation.

The Administration will take into account these comments in the planning and
implementation of the project.

26. We issued a paper to Panel Members on 23 May 2001 with

supplementary information on the Lion Rock Tunnel TCSS proposal and on the
outcome of the consultation with the Traffic and Transport Committee of the Sha
Tin District Council. Members did not raise any objection to the proposal at the
Panel meeting on 25 May 2001.

---------------------------------------

Transport Bureau
June 2001
 Enclosure 1 to FCR(2001-02)14

Major features of the proposed traffic control and surveillance system

in Lion Rock Tunnel

(i) Traffic Control Facilities

Item New System Existing System

(1) Full Variable Message A number of light emitting No such provision.
Sign (FVMS) (Mounted diode (LED) type variable
on gantries in major message signs will be
approach roads to the erected on major tunnel
tunnel to display bilingual approach roads to
traffic information to disseminate real-time
tunnel users.) bilingual message to
motorists for their timely
action.

(2) Limited Variable Message Variable message signs to be Most are light-box
Sign (LVMS) (Includes installed which can display a type, which can only
Tunnel Closed/Congested larger number of pre-set display limited pre-set
signs and messages. information and may
advisory/warning/ be difficult to read in
regulatory signs to effect daytime.
traffic management
schemes.)

(3) Traffic Light Signal Brighter maintenance-free Conventional lamp

(Installed on approach LED type signal will be bulb type.
roads to regulate traffic installed.
entering the tunnel and
stop over-height vehicles)

(4) Gantry Lane-use Signal Brighter maintenance-free Non-standard fibre

(Installed at tunnel LED type signal will be optic signs. These are
approach roads for control installed. aged and difficult to
of traffic especially during read in daytime.
lane or tube closure.)

(5) Tunnel Lane Control Brighter maintenance-free The existing signals

Signal (Installed LED type signal will be are aged and difficult
throughout the tunnel installed. to read in daytime.
tubes for lane control.)
 - 2 -

Item New System Existing System

(6) Barrier (Used to Feasibility of installing No such provision.
temporarily close barriers for the tunnel will be
carriageway or lanes, or to studied.
channelise traffic between
lanes.)

(ii) Traffic Surveillance Facilities

Item New System Existing System

(1) CCTV System (Facilitates Colour system will be Stand-alone
traffic surveillance inside installed. It will integrate black/white system.
tunnel tubes and approach seamlessly with the traffic The picture quality is
roads. Allows tunnel management computer degrading despite
operators to observe scene system. The coverage of the enhanced
of incidents and co- system will be reviewed to maintenance.
ordinate rescue and meet the latest operational
recovery actions.) needs.

(2) Automatic Incident AIDS will be installed to No such provision.

Detection System (AIDS) enhance road safety and
(Monitors the statistical improve operational
traffic parameters efficiency.
collected from detection
stations to determine
whether an incident has
happened.)

(3) Over-height Vehicle Reliable detectors of latest Aged system with

Detection System technology will be installed. reducing reliability.
(Installed at approach
roads to detect vehicles
that exceed the permitted
height prior to their
entering the tunnel.)
 - 3 -

(iii) Control Centre Facilities

Item New System Existing System

(1) Traffic Management Traffic management No such provision.
Computer (Controls and computer will be provided to
monitors the various improve the traffic control
traffic control and and surveillance capability
surveillance facilities, for efficient and error-free
alerts tunnel operators by operation.
alarms, implement traffic
plans and provides the
human-machine
interface. It is the core
component of the TCSS.)

(2) Control Console (Houses All the control panels and Composed of control
all control panels and computer terminals would be panels of different
computer terminals of the housed on a single console to sub-systems installed
system to facilitate the facilitate operation. at different periods.
operation of the control
and surveillance
facilities.)

(3) Wall Map (Gives the Sufficient colour CCTV Only black/white
tunnel operators an monitors and large display CCTV monitors are
overview of the traffic units would be installed to provided. Current
conditions and operating show the real-time aspect and space constraint limits
status of the tunnel. The status of the traffic signs and the number of
CCTV monitors and large signals on a roadmap monitors, and hence
display units are background. affects the efficiency
assembled on a roadmap of surveillance.
background for showing
the real-time control
status of the tunnel.)
 Enclosure 3 to FCR(2001-02)14

Work Programme for Replacement of the Traffic Control and Surveillance System in Lion Rock Tunnel

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

　 Task Name Duration 1-6 7-12 1-6 7-12 1-6 7-12 1-6 7-12 1-6 7-12 1-6 7-12
0 Whole Project 50 months 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　
1 Advance Building and Structural Works 35 months 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　
2 Traffic & Civil Engineering Study 16 months 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　
3 System Engineering Study 11 months 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　
4 Pre-qualification 5 months 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　
5 Detailed Design 11 months 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　
6 Tendering 7 months 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　
7 Installation, Testing & Commissioning 22 months
8 Defects Liability Period 13 months 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　
 Enclosure 4 to FCR(2001-02)14

Project Management Charges under

Electrical and Mechanical Services Trading Fund (EMSTF)
for Replacement of Traffic Control and Surveillance System
in Lion Rock Tunnel

Percentage of charges Project estimate for

on project value electronic works Charges
$ million $ million

First $0.4 million 25% 0.4 0.1

Next $1.6 million 20% 1.6 0.3

Next $13 million 16.5% 13.0 2.1

Remainder $84 million 11% 84.0 9.2

Total 99.0 11.7

In the light of the Enhanced Productivity Programme, the EMSTF has rationalised
its costs and offered about 10% reduction on the above computed charges. The
charges by EMSTF after the reduction are to be $10.5 million.