5
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17. Detailed design of the expressway will start soon. Construction is expected to start in early 1993.
Western Harbour Crossing
18.
The Western Harbour Crossing will form the third
crossing of Victoria Harbour, the need for which was identified before the decision on the new airport as part of the Second Comprehensive Transport Studies. It will provide a 1.36 kilometre immersed tube tunnel connecting
the West Kowloon
The project will
lane crossing, a
Expressway to Route 7 at Sai Ying Pun. include in addition to a dual two/three toll plaza at the northern portal on the Kowloon side and a section of Route 7 from Rumsey Street to Water Street. It is intended to be developed as a build, operate and transfer (BOT) project through the award of a franchise. Government will also need to provide the supporting critical links in Western District as part of the normal Public works Programme to dovetail with the opening of this crossing.
19. The feasibility study on the crossing was completed in February 1991.
A financial consultancy will soon be commissioned to affirm the commercial viability of the project and to devise an optimal privatisation package.
Airport Railway
20. The Airport Railway extends from the new airport via Tsing Yi and West Kowloon to the Central & Wanchai Reclamation. This 32-kilometre high-speed link is being specifically designed to attract a high level of airport passengers. TWO main airport passenger stations are being