TNAG-0938-FCO40-1157-Visit-of-John-Nott--Secretary-of-State-for-Trade--to-Hong-Ko-1980 — Page 255

Brief No 8/3

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SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRADE'S VISIT TO HONG KONG

ROADS AND BRIDGES

BRIEF BY OVERSEAS PROJECTS GROUP

Line to take (Lantau/Mainland Fixed Crossing)

There is little need for a UK initiative on this project until the Public

Works Department (PWD) has studied the consortiums report submitted at the

end of 1979. Any initial news the PWD may have on the consortiums report

would however be helpful.

Background

1.

The Hong Kong Government has announced plans for the development of northern Lantau island as on industrial area and the possible site of a new airport. A new road link with the mainland is required and the British consortiums, led by Mott, lay and Anderson was commissioned in 1978 to produce a report on the possibility of an island-hopping road link.

The report recommended a crossing of three bridges and associated highways costing HK $ 1 billion at 1979 prices. The road would link the island of Lantau with Kowloon via the islands of MA WAN and TSING Y1. Alternatives includes a submerged tube or bored tunnel.

2. The long Kong Public Works Department requested further studies from the consortium including a possible rail link and road extension from Lantau to another island, CHEK LAP KOK. They have also been asked to produce a preliminary study for a causeway between MA WAN and Lantau as an alternative to the cantilever bridge recommended in their original report. The consortiums report was submitted to PWD at the end of 1979 and will be considered with the consultants report on the new airport in September (see brief no

)

Background Note on Kowloon Link

3.

This has

The Hong Kong Government has ordered a study into various alternatives for a link between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The Hong Kong branches of 5 UK consultants were included in the 6 firms shortlisted for the study. now been awarded to Mott Hlay Anderson (Far East) in association with Wilbar Smith (USA). Options for the link are reported to include:-

a)

b)

Bridges between Kowloon, Green Island and Stonecutter Island

a tunnel between Hong Kong central area to either TAI KOK, TSUI, YAUMATEI or SHAM SHUT PO,

c)

an increase in cross harbour ferry services to direct traffic from the existing tunnel

e)

a bridge spanning Lye Mun Pass.

f)

expansion of present cross harbour tunnel.

OPG

January 1920

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