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Wednesday, December 13, 1972
CROSS-HARBOUR BRIDGE FEASIBILITY STUDY
Investigation Item Under Consideration
The Government is considering including an "Investigation" item in
the Public Works Programme with a view to finding out whether the construction
of a cross-harbour bridge is feasible within the restrictions imposed by marine
and aviation requirements.
The Director of Public Works, the Hon. J.J. Robson, said this today
in the Legislative Council in reply to the Hon. Szeto Wai.
Mr. Robson recalled that the Long Term Road Study Report published in
1968 clearly established that cross harbour movements would increase to suck an
extent that a second cross harbour crossing by road would be necessary in the
future.
"I personally hold the view that Lei Yue Mu, bridge is the obvious
place to provide a second crossing of the harbour if this desire is to be met,
though admittedly there are problems connected with the ships and aircraft which
both pass through or over the gap," he said.
The Director said there have been preliminary discussions between
himself and the Directora of Marine and Civil Aviation, and it seems possible
that, in terms of the height to be adopted, an acceptable compromise might be
reached for the construction of any future bridge.
"Nevertheless, before consideration can be given to the inclusion of a
works item in the Public Works Programme for a project of this magnitude, it is
necessary to assure ourselves that a bridge will not have adverse effect on other
important considerations such as air safety and, in particular, the integrity
of the Instrument Landing System for the Hong Kong Airport,
" he said.
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