Stonecutters Bridge is the world’s fourth longest spanning cable-stayed bridge, with a main span of 1,018m. Straddling Rambler Channel at the entrance to the Kwai Chung container terminals, it provides a landmark gateway to Hong Kong, one of the world’s most vibrant trade centres.

The 1.6km long crossing is the centrepiece of the new Route 8 strategic link. A 7.6km long, dual three-lane expressway, Route 8 links Cheung Sha Wan and Tsing Yi Island, improving access between the International Airport and the urban areas of West Kowloon, and providing enhanced links to the container port.

With a highly distinctive form, its key design features include a 1,018m steel main span supported by two 290m tall concrete and stainless-steel towers supporting a 53m-wide deck split into two streamlined boxes connected by cross girders. It is one of four cable-stay bridges in the world with a span in excess of 1,000m.

A close up of Stonecutters Bridge. Credit: John Nye
Stay cables are fastened to the upper tower using concrete or installed steel anchor boxes. ©John Nye

Engineering a bridge to withstand typhoon force storms

Queensferry Crossing, Scotland
Service
Wind consulting

Building such a large span bridge in an area subject to tropical cyclones posed many challenges to our design team. The design had to accommodate an analysis of wind patterns at the site and mitigate against potential ship impact, in addition to the challenges of working at such a large-scale and height and ensuring minimum disruption to shipping traffic.

Managing the size with a close eye on detail

The most challenging aspect of the project was the coordination between the various elements of the bridge construction. Because of its sheer size, accurate dimensional control is essential to ensure that all parts of the bridge fit together as planned. 

This calls for great precision when casting concrete elements and prefabricating and assembling the large-scale steel deck, as well as extremely close oversight of both temporary and permanent works and on-site and off-site construction.

Stonecutters Bridge. Credit: John Nye
The 1.6km long crossing is the centrepiece of the new Route 8 strategic link.
Stonecutters Bridge. Credit: Marcel Lam Photography
Building a bridge with such a large span exposed to strong typhoon winds posed many challenges to the Arup design team including analysis of wind patterns at the site and mitigating against potential ship impact. © Marcel Lam Photography