264. The reconstruction of a 1,000 yards long section of Island Road was commenced. This section forms part of the main peripheral road skirting the coast of Hong Kong Island and runs from Shaukiwan to the road leading to the Chai Wan Resettlement Area.
265. The great increase in pedestrian traffic between Shaukiwan and Chai Wan, caused by rapid development of the Resettlement Area, resulted in dangerous conditions on this section of road, since the footpath was inadequate and the carriageway narrow. These conditions were accentuated by a sharp reverse curve midway along the road, which had an average gradient of 1 in 10, and by the fact that the road was for the most part either in cutting or on embankment, so that no refuge could be provided for pedestrians.
266. The proposed improvements provide for a 24 ft. carriageway and two 13 ft. footpaths, separated from the carriageway by 10 ft. verges in which underground services can be laid or bus bays constructed.
267. Deep cut and fill involving about 30,000 cubic yards of material, much of which was rock, the construction of two retaining walls of mass concrete about 25′0′′ high with granite facing, and realignment of the reverse curve were also planned. Considerable organization was necessary to avoid closing the road completely whilst allowing for drainage works, water-works, electricity and telephone main services either to be installed, moved or renewed. Work started on 7th December and approximately 60% was completed by the end of the year.
268. A further major scheme undertaken was the re-construction and widening of the main Castle Peak Road through the township of Un Long. The old carriageway varied in width from 20'0" to 70'0" but considerable congestion was caused by the presence of petrol filling stations, taxi ranks, bus
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