TNAG-1937-FCO40-2763-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 27

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several links, particularly between the IEC terminus and the

tunnel. The Bypass would provide such additional capacity but make no improvement to tunnel operations. Thus, neither project by itself would solve the congestion problems completely. The more widespread traffic relief and larger economic benefits of the Western Harbour Crossing make it a higher priority project

overall.

This project would be built largely on the Central-Wanchai Reclamation and depends on the timing of this development. The

current programme for the reclamation indicates staged

development proceeding generally from east to west. A construction programme consistent with the anticipated development is as follows :

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Island Eastern Corridor Link

Central and Wanchai Bypass :

IEC Link to Fenwick Pier Street

Fenwick Pier Street to Rumsey Street

1992-1995

1994-1998

1995-1999

It is unlikely that all three reclamation projects would proceed

simultaneously, and a lower relative priority for the Central - Wanchai Reclamation would delay the Bypass accordingly.

The fact that most streets with capacity problems in 1996 without this project are east of the tunnel suggests that the need for

the IEC link is more critical than the Bypass. It is estimated that if the IEC link alone were in place in 1996 that it would carry about 38,000 pcus per day and allow Victoria Park and Gloucester Roads to operate near practical capacity. Timing of the reclamation project would allow acceleration of this section.

Conclusions The Central and Wanchai Bypass/IEC link will be

required by 2001 for east-west movements through the north

central section of Hong Kong Island. Completion of the Western

Harbour Crossing by the mid-1990s would allow the Bypass only to

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