LRT East Line stations to go underground, gov’t announces

[Photo: Melissandre Denize]

The Public Works Bureau (DSOP) announced on Saturday that Qingmao Station and Civic Sports Park Station on the Light Rapid Transit (LRT) East Line extension will be built as underground stations, following the receipt of more than 800 public submissions on the city’s LRT network development blueprint.

According to the authorities, the LRT East Line extension will be built entirely underground, spanning approximately 1.5 kilometers from the East Line’s ES1 station, extending westward through Border Gate Square, the perimeter of the Border Gate Checkpoint Building, Dr. Sun Yat Sen Municipal Park, Avenida do Comendador Ho Yin, and Avenida do General Castelo Branco, with the terminal station located at Civic Sports Park.

Recognizing broad public support for the LRT system’s significance in improving public transportation efficiency, alleviating traffic congestion, and promoting sustainable urban development, and in response to calls for a more integrated rail network to strengthen inter-district connectivity, border-crossing integration, and regional living circle development, the authorities have reiterated their commitment to accelerating the East Line extension.

The latest government announcement specifies that the project will be implemented across five phases, with a total construction timeline of 1,035 days. Geological surveys are currently being carried out in phases along Avenida do Comendador Ho Yin, Avenida do General Castelo Branco, Rua de Lei Pou Chon, Rua Central de Toi San, Avenida do Conselheiro Borja, and Rua Nova da Ilha Verde, with the work expected to be completed during the upcoming summer holidays.

According to the DSOP website, Qingmao Station and Civic Sports Park Station on the East Line extension will be built underground, with Qingmao Station serving as an interchange and including a reserved connection point for the West Line. The station works are expected to be completed within 150 days.

The bureau stated that it would begin preliminary design work for Qingmao Station and Civic Sports Park Station at the same time, following the LRT strategy study, to ensure that the designs align with the master plan and tunnel construction requirements and to lay the groundwork for the next phase of development.