3.
TRAFFIC ASSESSMENT
3.1
3.3 .1
Introduction
The traffic
implications
of alternative interchange configurations at the Quarry Bay Landfall of the Eastern Harbour Crossing (EHC) were investigated with particular regard to the of links to or from the Taikoo Shing Development.
3.3.2
Three options were examined:
-
form
Option A no direct links between Taikoo Shing and the EHC landfall interchange (the proposed arrangement).
-
Option B with direct links between Taikoo Shing and the EHC landfall interchange (the Objectors' Schemes I and II)
•
―
Option C no direct links,
but
additional
slip
roads
3.3.3
to the west to Quarry Bay for traffic leaving the EHC (the EHC to Taikoo Shing connection of the Objectors' Scheme III)
The analyses undertaken consisted of comparing the three networks reflecting the three options in 1996 for the morning and evening peaks.
The Cross Harbour Tunnel (CHT) and the Eastern Harbour Crossing were both projected to be operating at capacity in the peak hours by 1996, although spare capacity was projected at the EHC over a full day.
3.2
Traffic Demand Patterns
3.2.1
CTS
The traffic demand patterns used in the analyses were all derived from estimates prepared by the Traffic and Transport Survey Division of Transport Department using the latest version of the model and planning forecasts for 1996. and refinements were, however, made to the these more detailed analyses.
3.2.2
A number of modifications
estimates to facilitate
Careful checks were undertaken of the developments reflected in the population and employment forecasts. As a result of these checks, the activity in the areas adjacent to the EHC landfall were increased to account fully for future development at Aldrich Bay, Sai Wan Ho Reclamation and the Western Shaukeiwan foothills.
3.2.3
Following inclusion of the extra traffic generated by these developments, estimates of the traffic flows representing the morning and evening peaks were determined by applying factors reflecting the expected concentration of traffic into the peaks and the directionality of the flows across the harbour.
These factors assumed that, with the opening of the EHC, the level of spreading of the peaks will decrease. The evening peak flows across the harbour are higher in total and more evenly balanced than in the morning. These manipulations resulted in the demand patterns given in Tables 3.1 and 3.2 for the evening and morning peaks respectively. Figure No. D7 shows the location of the areas referred to in these Tables.
D5