harbour crossing overseas

Hong Kong’s Western Harbour Crossing. The Western Harbour Crossing is a dual 3-lane immersed tube runnel. It is built as the third tunnel across the Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong. Problems have been raised throughout the years since the tunnel was built with regard to its high tolls charged to users. One reason for this is that as the project was constructed partly by a private company, which is known as the Western Tunnel Company Limited, compared to the other government funded and owned tunnel, the charges appear more expensive. Complaints and suggestion have been raised for lower tolls for use of this tunnel and also, with some suggestion that it is better for letting the local government buy back the tunnel from the current private owners, therefore the current issues of traffic congestion can be solved.



Western Crossing in Hong Kong
photo Cred: Koster



Road Toll Charge system
Photo Cred: Parsons Brinckerhoff (Asia)





Sydney Harbour Tunnel

The Sydney Harbour Tunnel was built in 1992 as an alternative option for crossing harbour and aims to reduce the traffic congestion on Sydney’s Harbour Bridge. The tunnel is a twin-tube road tunnel and it has two lanes in each direction. In 2005, the tunnel has a capacity of carring around over 80,000 vehicles per day, according to the study by Sydney Roads and Traffic Authority.

Andthe total construction cost of the tunnel is A$554.25 million. Currently, the harbour tunnel was owned by both the government sector and private investors.

Full view of Sydney Harbour Bridge
Photo Cred: City Picture

Sydney Harbour Tunnel
photo Cred: NSW Road and Traffic Authority

Sydney Harbour Tunnel
photo Cred: ABC

Further, the latest news have been revealed with regard to a new Sydney Harbour crossing in the next few years. Plans have been made for an underwater rail tunnel to be constructed and finished by 2018. This plan has been highly advocated by the local government as it benefits the potential for the city’s ongoing development and aims to meet the needs of the future and to plan for the growth.

plan for a rail system underwater
Image Cred: ABC