For example the wells found at the MTR sites, together with thousands of artefacts and relics sites, are believed by archaeologists to belong to China’s Song Dynasty, which is an empire of this land about a thousand years ago (SCMP).

Researchers and experts find, record, and collect new findings and information, and quality finds enrich the knowledge of Hong Kong’s ancient history and culture. Therefore, construction work had to be suspended, until the archaeological excavation and research process is finished. Once relics or artifacts are unearthed during the construction process, the archaeological rescue excavation needs to be carried out immediately because once the artifacts being exposing to the air, the deterioration process begins.

The work was suspended due to the research and archaeological excavation, which cause the finishing date of the construction expect to delay for at least a year longer than the target the government would have to pay the contractor millions of dollars in penalties each day (SCMP). Archaeological discoveries, including two complete ancient square wells dated back to Song Dynasty have been found during the construction of the Shatin-Central Link (SCL) of MTR Corp. The ancient wells found in the MTR construction site causes massive delay of the construction work is an excellent example to demonstrate the conflicts between the economic development and archaeological preservation. The shortage of land in Hong Kong has already caused intensive argument between preserving the heritage and developing the city. However, the excavation and the follow up preservation work on construction sites that become important archaeological sites need to be managed carefully in this rapid developing city. The extension will enhance connectivity south of the Tuen Mun town centre and create a better living environment for the community.Archaeological Discoveries During MTR Construction: Balancing Cultural Preservation and Construction Costs Posted by Steve Thomas on Wednesday, December 17, 2014Īrchaeological Discoveries During MTR Construction: Balancing Cultural Preservation and Construction CostsĪncient relics have been discovered during recent MTR construction works, which are likely to make significant contributions to our knowledge of and understanding of Hong Kong’s past. In addition to the greater travelling convenience to be brought by the new railway extension which will connect the community south of the Tuen Mun town centre to the extensive MTR network, the residents’ quality of life will also be greatly enhanced through re-provisioning of community facilities with upgraded features.Ĭonstruction of the Tuen Mun South Extension is expected to commence in 2023 and target to be completed in around 2030. With the Tuen Ma Line extending to Tuen Mun South through the new railway extension, residents of Tuen Mun will be able to enjoy more convenient and comfortable journeys across the territory to their workplace, school and even anywhere to meet up with friends! The Tuen Mun South Extension is an approximately 2.4 km “community railway” that will extend the Tuen Ma Line southward from Tuen Mun Station to a new terminus near Tuen Mun Ferry Pier via A16 Station.

Mtr construction