The works of a private development project in Chai Wan have been suspended after upheaving recorded at checkpoints on a footbridge connecting Chai Wan MTR Station exceeded the limit, the Government said today.

The Mass Transit Railway Corporation reported on February 1 that while the grouting works for the excavation and lateral support works of the private development project at 18 Lee Chung Street in Chai Wan were being carried out, upheaving of 24 to 33 mm was recorded at five monitoring checkpoints installed on the MTRC's footbridge connecting Ning Foo Street and Chai Wan MTR Station. The pre-set trigger level for works suspension is 20mm.

In the interest of safety, the Buildings Department deployed staff to inspect the affected footbridge on the same day and confirmed that it is structurally safe.

The Electrical & Mechanical Services Department reviewed the monitoring data submitted by the MTRC in relation to the safe operation of the railway and confirmed that the condition of the railway fulfils the operational safety requirements.

The Government pointed out that the works concerned have not affected the structural safety of railway facilities and safe operation of the railway.

Both departments and the MTRC will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure the structural safety of railway facilities and the railway's safe operation. it added.

While the works of the development project have been suspended, the Buildings Department and the MTRC requested the registered building professionals responsible for the project to formulate mitigation measures and adopt a construction method that would alleviate possible effects on the railway facilities.

Upon receipt of the proposed mitigation measures or amendment plans of the development project and application for resumption of works, the Buildings Department will vigorously scrutinise the proposals with a view to ensuring the structural safety of railway facilities, including consulting the MTRC and other relevant government departments.

The Electrical & Mechanical Services Department will also confirm that the MTRC has put in place stringent monitoring measures to ensure the safety of the railway operation.

Moreover, if the registered building professionals propose that the pre-set trigger level for works suspension be revised, the Buildings Department will consider the proposal having regard to the circumstances after consulting the MTRC and other relevant government departments.

Once an agreement is reached concerning the application for the resumption of works, the Buildings Department and the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department will make an announcement about the decision.