1948-1949 — Page 33

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176. The Tai Hang Road Gang Depot was destroyed by a typhoon in August and a new gang depot was built in the same road to accommodate both the Tai Hang and Wongneichong road gangs.

177. Roads, Footpaths and Bridges:-Major road reconstruc- tion works which were completed comprised resurfacing Lockhart Road, resurfacing Connaught Road West between Hill Road and Centre Street, resurfacing Queen's Road West between Whitty Street and Western Street, resurfacing Hollywood Road, resurfac- ing and widening of roads on the Peak, Sai Ying Pun area, Wanchai area, and Central District, completion of Chatham Road, Sai Kung Road, Castle Peak Road from Taipo Road to Un Chau Street, Prince Edward Road from Nathan Road to Railway Bridge, Shanghai Street from Jordan Road to Saigon Street and Mongkok Road to Nelson Street, Battery Street from Jordan Road to Public Square Street, Ma Tau Wei Road from Wuhu Street to Tai Wan Road, road to Lai Chi Kok Beach, Taipo Road-realignment at Tai Wai, Taipo Road from Smuggler's Pass to Shek Li Pui, Taipo Road from Taipo Tau to Gill's Cutting and miscellaneous minor streets in Shamshuipo, Yaumati and Hung Hom areas. A large retaining wall at Bridges Street damaged during the occupation was reconstructed as well as a smaller wall in Moon Street.

178. Street Lighting and Traffic Signs:-Restoration of lighting in Hong Kong was hampered by the shortage of the necessary cables or mains but street lighting was restored on as many roads as possible. The rehabilitation of street lighting in Kowloon progressed well and sections of new lighting were in- stalled in Kowloon City and Ma Tau Wei Road. Areas previously lit by gas were transferred to electric lighting due to complete destruction of the gas service mains in the Yaumati and Mongkok areas. A total of 254 new electric lamps and 227 gas lamps were erected during the year. A number of new traffic signs were made and erected at the request of the Commissioner of Police.

179. Other Works:-Miscellaneous work undertaken in con- nection with either new or requisitioned Government property comprised the surfacing of the approach road and compound to the new Peak Pavilion Government flats, surfacing the approach and car park for the new temporary offices at Headquarters, repairs to the approaches of the Government Hostels "* Buxey Lodge and "The Hermitage " and the resurfacing of the area in front of the Government garages on Stubbs Road.

180. Summary:-The following are the approximate measure- ments of roadwork carried out during the year:-

Tarpainting

126,340 square yards

Tarmacadam

101,665

**

Tartops

307,327

Drymacadam

166,277

J9

Concrete surfacing

70,630

Granolithic paving

49,534