36.
To this end, work has been proceeding steadily for the past three years with sub-regional studies of the North-wes
New Territories, the North-east New Territories, the Harbour
Area, Lantau and Junk Bay. These have been supplemented by
other studies on the future land requirements of major
government programmes. We have taken
taken stock of the options for
urban growth available throughout the territory, and examined each option thoroughly.
37.
The results of all these studies are now being brought
together, and we intend to make public our findings over the
coming months and to take decisions by the middle of next
year. It is important that we choose a strategy which will be
both relevant to our needs and within our means.
(c) Transport
(i)
Road network
38.
The cost and feasibility of the supporting transport
infrastructure will be major factors in Our choice of
strategy. New roads to serve Junk Bay and Ma On Shan, which
represent possible components of the first stage of our
strategy, are already at the planning stage. The feasibility
of a new road through Tai Mo Shan linking the North-west New
Territories with Tsuen Wan, and of a
and of a new road through Lion Rock
or Ma On Shan linking the North-east New Territories with
Kowloon, are also being studied.
Meanwhile, improvements
to
39.
the road system continue,
based on the programme laid down in the comprehensive Transport
Study and the White Paper on Transport Policy. Links across
the border, a recent feature of the programme, will be
expanded. A second bridge will be built at Man Kam To, the Sha Tau Kok crossing will be improved, and planning will continue
for a road link between the Lok Ma Chau crossing and the New
Territories circular road.
/(ii)
Public
14