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The settlement of railway facilities of Tai Wai Station
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     On the announcement made by the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) on the settlement of railway facilities of Tai Wai Station of the East Rail Line, a Government spokesman today (July 13) supplemented as follows:

     The Government took note that MTRCL issued a letter to the Sha Tin District Council and a press release today to inform the public that due to the foundation works of the topside development at the station (the development project), the monitoring points set up at the far-end of the southbound platform of Tai Wai Station and an overhead line mast nearby had for the first time on July 12, 2018 recorded settlement readings reaching MTRCL-pre-set limit of 20 mm for works suspension (the limit is the same as that adopted by the Buildings Department (BD) under general circumstances).  On MTRCL's request, the foundation works have been suspended in the morning of July 12.  The relevant monitoring points were additionally set up by the developer of the development project on MTRCL's request per the established procedures for Railway Protection Area to facilitate MTRCL to monitor the settlement data and ensure railway safety and operation would not be affected by related works.

     Upon receipt of MTRCL's notification, the BD sent officers to inspect the relevant section of the platform and the overhead line mast, and confirmed that they are structurally safe.  On the other hand, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) has also reviewed the rail monitoring data submitted by MTRCL immediately and confirmed that the railway safety has not been affected by the related works.  The concerned tracks comply with safety standards and are operating normally. 

     Generally speaking, foundation works causing settlement in nearby structures is not uncommon.  To protect railway safety, the Government and MTRCL have stringent monitoring mechanisms.  In the Tai Wai Station incident, MTRCL and the relevant government departments have taken corresponding actions once being informed of the monitoring results.  This proves that the relevant mechanisms have been effective.

     As the works at the development project has been suspended, the BD and MTRCL will require the registered building professionals of the development project to stipulate mitigation measures.  Per the established practice, upon receipt of any amended plan of the development project and application to resume works, the BD will stringently consider such plan and application under the overarching consideration of ensuring structural safety of railway facilities and upon receipt of MTRCL's confirmation regarding railway safety and impact on railway operation not being affected.  The EMSD will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure safe operation of the railway.
 
Ends/Friday, July 13, 2018
Issued at HKT 20:06
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