XN000022-1995-09-08 — Page 6

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To enable the road widening work for the new climbing lanes to proceed with enhanced protection to road users, Mr Blake said: "It will be necessary to provide more space for the installation of safety barriers. This will require the introduction of dual two-lane traffic at two short sections between Tuen Mun and Siu Lam in November. This temporary arrangement will be removed before the end of the year.

"The length of each of the two sections will be about 700 metres. All necessary traffic control measures will be put in place before the dual two-lane operation begins."

The Transport Department and Highways Department will brief the relevant District Boards once proposals for special traffic arrangements are worked out.

Regarding the carriageway widening works between Siu Lam and Shum Tseng, Mr Blake said: "The Director of Highways has received from the contractor proposals which will enable the completion of these works without further risk to road users from the slopes adjacent to the eastbound carriageway."

"These are being considered and the widening works will not begin until the question of risk has been dealt with satisfactorily," he emphasised.

Details of the traffic arrangements for the reopening of Tuen Mun Road will be announced by the Transport Department.

End/Friday, September 8, 1995

Yuen Long/Tuen Mun traffic keeps improving

All traffic in Yuen Long and Tuen Mun keeps improving this (Friday) morning as reduced journey time between destination is reported, a Transport Department spokesman said.

No traffic queue has been observed on San Tin Highway since 8 am when the additional Sheung Shui-bound traffic lane of San Tin Highway from Fung Kat Heung to Fairview Park Interchange opens for public use. This widened section makes possible three-lane traffic on the New Territories Circular Road Sheung Shui-bound from Au Tau roundabout and increases the Highway's capacity.

Together with other traffic arrangements at the Au Tau and Sha Po roundabouts, it helps smooth traffic from Yuen Long to Sheung Shui.