XN000022-1973-08-29 — Page 2

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Wednesday, August 29, 1973

LANTAU BRIDGE FEASIBILITY STUDY

A preliminary report on the feasibility study of building a

bridge linking Lantau Island with the mainland in the New Territories

is expected to be completed within a few weeks.

The study, which is being conducted by Wilbur Smith and Associates,

also includes an investigation into possible large-scale industrial and

residential development on the island, and is being conducted in conjunction

with another survey into the feasibility of providing recreational facilities

and conservation reserves.

The preliminary report on the proposed Lantau bridge will be

studied by various government departments, but a decision will depend

on the findings of the final report of the whole study which is expected

to be completed within 12 months.

Disclosing this today, a spokesman for the Public Works Department

said that the Lantau bridge study was prompted by "the pressing need for

road access to substantial areas of undeveloped land."

One of the principal restrictions on the growth of Hong Kong's

economy at the moment was a lack of land attractive to developers, he said.

"However, the shortage of attractive sites arises from inadequate

access to suitable land rather than a lack of land itself," the spokesman

emphasised.

/Previously