Engineering firm Leighton Holdings has won a third contract to work on the construction of Hong Kong’s Central-Wan Chai Bypass tunnel.

Under the deal worth $453 million, Leighton Asia, India and Offshore will build the tunnel buildings, systems and fitout works on the four-kilometre highway route that will connect the CBD to Causeway Bay on Hong Kong island.

The company will install specialist electrical and mechanical works, traffic control and surveillance systems, and construct and fit out ventilation buildings and an administration building.

“This award fits with our strategy of continuing to expand our infrastructure footprint throughout Asia,” Leighton chief executive officer Hamish Tyrwhitt, said.

Contract works will start immediately and are scheduled for completion by 2018.

The HKSARs Highways Department also awarded contracts to Leighton for the construction of the Central Interchange in 2010 and the Central Reclamation Phase III in 2009.