AECOM has played a significant role in the development of the Fanling Bypass (Eastern Section), the first major transport infrastructure in Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis (NM). The project was officially commissioned on 3 May 2026, following the opening ceremony on 2 May.

The approximately 4-km, dual two-lane carriageway serves as a primary distributor linking the Fanling North New Development Area to Fanling Highway. The bypass is expected to ease congestion in Fanling town centre, strengthen regional connectivity across the NM, and support a planned population of around 95,100 residents in the Fanling North New Development Area. Travel times during peak hours are reduced by up to 10 minutes.

Engineering achievements

The project showcases several engineering innovations, including:

• Hong Kong’s first horizontal bridge rotation, used to position a 140-m-long, 7,000-t bridge over the East Rail Line in a single overnight operation, which shortened the construction period by around 12 months.

• The world’s first structural application of ultra-high-strength S960 steel in footbridges, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 2,400 t of CO2.

AECOM delivered multidisciplinary consultancy services for the first phase and remaining phase development of the Kwu Tung North and Fanling North New Development Areas. The team applied advanced digital and construction technologies – such as 4D BIM, LiDAR and AI-assisted monitoring – alongside prefabrication methods supported by robotic welding and 3D swept path analysis to improve safety, quality and delivery speed.

One of the project’s most complex challenges was constructing a vehicular bridge across the active East Rail Line while navigating extensive facilities, including large-diameter water mains, high-voltage underground power cables and an existing footbridge. To overcome this, the team implemented an innovative horizontal rotation technique – a first for Hong Kong – constructing the bridge adjacent to the alignment before rotating it into position overnight. This method minimised disruption to rail operations and enhanced overall safety.

Innovation also extended to the development of two new footbridges, including Footbridge F6 at Lung Yeuk Tau Interchange – the first structural application of ultra-high-strength S960 steel.

Drawing on experience from the project, AECOM contributed to a series of technical guidelines – namely the ‘Practice Notes on Horizontal Bridge Rotation Method for Viaduct Construction Across Existing Railway Lines’, ‘Technical Guidance on the Structural Design of Plate Girder Structures using Ultra-High-Strength S960 Steel’ and ‘Technical Guidelines for Robotic Welding Operations of Structural Steel in Construction’ – published by the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD). These guidelines are setting new benchmarks to advance safe, efficient and innovative construction practices across Hong Kong and beyond.

The Fanling Bypass (Eastern Section) highlights how innovation and cross-sector collaboration can accelerate the safe and sustainable delivery of complex infrastructure, supporting the long-term development of Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis.

“This milestone demonstrates the power of collaboration across government, industry, academia and research,” said Dr Johnny Cheuk, AECOM’s Hong Kong executive leader. “We are proud to contribute to a project that reflects Hong Kong’s Construction 2.0 vision while supporting the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan – bringing advanced engineering solutions and high-quality ‘Made in China’ materials to both Hong Kong and the global stage.”