236 Transport
has asked the MTRCL to proceed with further planning and design. Construction is expected to commence by end 2009 for completion by 2014-15.
Since the adoption of the 'Dedicated Corridor' option for the Express Rail Link, the Northern Link has become a separate project from it. It will connect Kam Sheung Road Station on the West Rail Line to the boundary crossing point at Lok Ma Chau. Together with the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line of the East Rail Line, the Northern Link will form a strategic corridor connecting the West Rail and East Rail Lines. The Government is reviewing the proposal.
The Chief Executive announced in his 2007-08 Policy Address an initiative to foster closer Hong Kong-Shenzhen Airport Co-operation and to study the feasibility and economic benefits of establishing the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Airport Rail Link, with a view to exploiting the synergy of their complementary flight networks. The joint preliminary study of the rail link proposal, commissioned by the governments of both sides, was completed in 2008. Further study on key enabling operational issues will be conducted in 2009.
Road Projects under Construction
Major road projects under construction include:
• Route 8 (between Tsing Yi and Cheung Sha Wan section): this dual three-lane carriageway will provide an alternative route to Route 3 (Tsing Yi and Kwai Chung section) and serve as an access route to Container Terminals 8 and 9. Construction commenced in April 2002 and is scheduled for completion in late 2009.
• Tung Chung Road between Lung Tseng Tau and Cheung Sha: this will be upgraded into a single two-lane road to improve Lantau Island's north-south access with an increase in capacity and enhancement of safety compared to the existing substandard road. Construction started in June 2004. The northern section was opened to traffic in early 2008 and the southern section will be completed and opened to traffic in early 2009. The remaining works are scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2009.
• Reconstruction and improvement of Tuen Mun Road: this project is to upgrade the dual three-lane carriageway of the expressway section to current expressway standards, including the provision of hard shoulder lanes wherever practicable. Construction will commence in phases for completion by 2014 with the first contract commenced in October. The widening of the Tuen Mun Road Town Centre section is scheduled to start in late 2009 for completion by the end of 2012.
• Widening of Tuen Mun Road at Tsing Tin Interchange: this project comprises widening about 240 metres of Tuen Mun Road to dual three-lane operation, installation of noise barriers, laying of low noise surfacing, and completion of associated works. Construction started in mid-2008 for completion by the end of 2009.