XN000022-1972-12-13 — Page 15

14

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.

/15