40
(a) of the anticipated increase in traffic and pedestrian flow in the District after the opening of the WHC; and
(b) whether there are any road and footpath improvement projects to tie in with the opening of the WHC; if so, what progress has been made to date, and whether these projects will be completed on time?
Reply:
Mr President,
Whilst the opening of the Western Harbour Crossing (WHC) is not expected to result in any significant increase in traffic in Central District, there will be an increase in through traffic in Western District. At present, an average of about 55,000 vehicles a day travel through Western District with peak hourly flows of 4,000 vehicles in the morning and 4,200 in the afternoon. This is forecast to increase to 74,000 vehicles with peak hourly flows of 5,400 in the morning and 5,600 in the afternoon. We do not expect the WCH to have any adverse impact on pedestrian flow.
To cope with the increase in traffic, seven road improvement projects, with suitable pedestrian facilities, are in hand. Five will be completed in 1996 and the remaining two before mid 1997. Details are provided in the Annex.
Annex
(1)
Belcher Bay Link
Progress remains good and the scheduled completion date is September 1996
(2)
Rock Hill Street Extension and associated traffic management measures
Work is on schedule with completion in July 1996.
(3)
Smithfield Extension
Work is proceeding at full speed. The scheduled completion date is June 1997