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still spare capacity on the present Man Kam To bridge. This point had been discussed earlier during
conversations with Vice-Governors Liu Tianfu and Zheng Dingshi and Dr Wilson had discussed the matter with NCNA, who had said that Guangdong did not want, at present, to proceed with the idea of a second road bridge at Man Kam To. Instead they wanted to give priority to construction of a new bridge across the Western part of the border at Lok Ka Chau. Hong Kong was now proceeding on this basis (Mr Tan confirmed that this was what the Vice-Governor had said). Mr Huang expressed surprise that such a priority had already been agreed. He indicated that there were differences of interest between the Guangzhou and Shenzhen authorities. He considered that any spare capacity on the Man Kam To bridge at present would be taken up within the next three to four years. He asked whether the present bridge could be widened, (from its present 8 metre width), say to 4 lanes. In response to a suggestion from Dr Wilson about increasing the capacity at Kan Kam To bridge, Mr Huang said that there would be no problem in the opening of the bridge for 24 hours a day.
9.
Dr Wilson said that he had earlier in the day mentioned to Mr Liu a question concerning the
Hong Kong Government's study of the possibility of building a bridge at Lok Ma Chau. The low-lying and marshy terrain of this area, and the lack of detailed maps would make the engineering feasibility study extremely difficult. Public Works engineers in Hong Kong had suggested that the best way of getting adequate mapping would be an aerial survey. This would entail over-flying the Shenzhen side of the border. Did Mr Huang think that this would be possible? If so a more formal application could be made through NCNA. In the event of flights taking place an observer nominated by the Guangdong authorities could be allowed to accompany each flight and such data and maps which the survey produced would also be made available to the Guangdong authorities. Mr Huang (taking a similar line to Mr Liu earlier) answered that such flights would produce valuable information. However, he was not in a position to give authority for them. It was a question for the military. It was possible that an earlier aerial survey by the Chinese side would provide adequate information. Mr Huang said they would study the matter and respond through NCNA.
10. Commenting, on what Vice-Governor Zeng had said about a bridge at Lok Ma Chau being needed only in 1984/85, Mr Huang hoped that a bridge could, in fact, be completed earlier. Mr Akers-Jones pointed out that construction of the bridge. would take at least three years after surveys had been completed.
had to be the production of thorough surveys, followed by about one year of
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