XN000022-1997-03-19 — Page 54

· 52 -

Since the opening of the section of Route 7 in Sai Ying Poon (SYP) on 27.2.1997, we have been monitoring the situation closely. Site observations have shown that traffic conditions in the Sai Ying Pun area have generally improved. This is due to the increase in road capacity for east-west traffic provided by Route 7 (SYP) which provides relief to a portion of the traffic on Connaught Road West.

The opening of the WHC in April this year is likely to generate additional traffic to the Western District. Upon opening of the WHC and before completion of the Smithfield Extension by the end of this year, we estimate that about 700 and 900 vehicles will use the WHC for destinations to or from the Southern District during the morning and evening peaks respectively. To cater for the increased traffic, a comprehensive package of road improvement measures and traffic management schemes has been, or is being introduced in phases, to facilitate traffic circulation, as follows:

(a)

Measures already introduced:

introduction of a traffic management scheme involving rerouting of the section of Catchick Street between Sands Street and Cadogan Street to one-way eastbound and of the section of Belcher's Street between Sands Street to Cadogan Street to one- way westbound forming a one-way gyratory system; and improvements to traffic signal operations at the junctions involved. The scheme was completed in June 1996; and

widening of the junction of Victoria Road/Cadogan Street to provide one additional eastbound lane at Victoria Road at its approach to Cadogan Street. This was completed last month.

(b) Measures to be introduced before the opening of WHC:

widening of Pokfulam Road between the western entrance to the University of Hong Kong and Pokfield Road Bus Terminus for completion in March 1997 to increase the link capacity of this section of Pokfulam Road;

improvement of the junction of Pokfulam Road/Pokfield Road for completion in April 1997 to enhance junction capacity and to provide a pedestrian subway system;

and improvement of the junction of Pokfulam Road/Victoria Road for completion in April 1997. Junction capacity will be increased with the widening of approaches from both Pokfulam Road and Victoria Road.