The Seac Pai Van (SPV) Line is a significant expansion of Macau’s Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system. Spanning 1.3km with two elevated stations, it connects the existing Taipa Line at Rotunda Flor de Lotus to the northern part of Coloane Island via Estrada Do Istmo, the extension of the Cotai Strip to the south. 

This new link will serve approximately 10,000 households in SPV public housing, private developments in northern Coloane, new recreational areas in Cotai, and the Islands Hospital. 

Following the successful delivery of a feasibility study, Arup was commissioned to work on the detailed design of this strategic link, providing total design services. Our scope covers rail alignment, architecture, station planning, building envelop and materials, civil, structural, geotechnical and bridge engineering, constructability, programme and project management, MEP, fire, system safety, transport consulting, environmental consulting, landscape design, and cost estimation.

We further developed and refined the initial design from the feasibility study, and prepared the necessary tender documentation for construction. To improve the connectivity and integration, the station entrances are precisely positioned. Two footbridges, totalling 300m, are designed to link the new LRT stations to Islands Hospital and the SPV Public Housing Development. 

The design also considers the future extension of the rail service to Coloane, allowing for seamless expansion of the LRT system as needed. 

Ensuring comfort and wellness

The stations feature environmentally sustainable architecture to enhance the commuting experience and ensure passenger comfort and wellness. Natural ventilation systems are implemented to optimise airflow through a cross-ventilation strategy, thus reducing energy consumption and minimising the carbon footprint of the new LRT system. The architectural design also helps to prevent hot summer heat from penetrating the station interior, which mitigates excessive heat gain and offers sufficient daylight ingress, further enhancing the wellness of the station environment.

These strategies not only reduce the need for extensive mechanical cooling and ventilation but also decreases the overall building footprint, leading to lower construction costs and energy saving.

Interior view of macau light rapid transit seac pai van line
The stations feature environmentally sustainable architecture to enhance the commuting experience and ensure passenger comfort and wellness.
Macau light rapid transit seac pai van line
This new link will serve approximately 10,000 households in SPV public housing, private developments in northern Coloane, new recreational areas in Cotai, and the Islands Hospital.

Designing for safety

The static smoke discharge system is an important safety feature, ensuring the safety of passengers in the event of a fire or emergency. The system is designed to quickly and efficiently remove smoke from the station, providing clear visibility and safe passage for passengers during an evacuation.

The construction of the interchange platform is located above the operating LRT. In addition, the two new stations and viaducts are being constructed along the central median of the trunk road, crossing two roundabouts. The construction method and sequence, as well as the temporary traffic management scheme, are cautiously developed and planned to ensure the safety of both rail operations and road users.

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