Bouygues Travaux Publics, a subsidiary of Bouygues Construction, and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) have been selected to deliver the Hong Kong East Drainage Tunnel (HKEDT).
The Drainage Services Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government awarded the joint venture a contract valued at €173m ($193.8m).
The HKEDT project forms part of Hong Kong’s ongoing efforts to improve flood prevention infrastructure and increase resilience to extreme weather.
Upon completion, the tunnel will divert rainwater collected from upstream catchment areas to Pak Sha Wan for discharge into the sea.
The measure is intended to ease pressure on existing downstream drainage systems and help reduce the risk of flooding in the Eastern District of Hong Kong Island.
The area, which is highly urbanised with extensive impermeable surfaces, has been identified as particularly vulnerable to flood events.
Construction work involves a new 3.6km tunnel, approximately 5m in diameter, connecting the districts of Shau Kei Wan and Chai Wan on Hong Kong Island’s eastern coast to Pak Sha Wan.
The project also includes seven intake structures designed to intercept surface runoff before it reaches built-up areas, six connection adits and an outfall structure for water discharge.
Several excavation methods are planned, including the use of a tunnel boring machine, drill-and-blast, drill-and-break for working in rock and concrete, and pipe jacking.
The works are scheduled for completion in 2030.
Bouygues Construction deputy CEO Bertrand Burtschell said: “Some 20 years after we handed over the Hong Kong West Drainage Tunnel, this project is a testament to our continued presence in this region and the trust that has been placed in our expertise to construct complex and essential infrastructure.
“Alongside our partners, we are continuing our commitment to strengthening the resilience of this region and providing its residents with better protection against extreme weather events.”
Bouygues Construction has over four decades of experience working on tunnelling projects globally, using a range of techniques adapted to different geological and urban environments.
In August 2026, Bouygues Construction was appointed by developer Honour Thailand to design and build ONCE Wongamat, a 56-storey residential tower in Pattaya.
