ENG-1999 — Page 328

INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

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Other railway developments are being explored under the Second Railway Development Study. To be completed in 1999, it will recommend on the feasibility and the proposed timing of the construction of a fourth cross-harbour rail link, the East Kowloon Line, a second rail connection from Tai Wai to Kowloon, the North Hong Kong Island Line and the West Hong Kong Island Line, among others.

Road Projects

Among the major road projects are two more large-span bridges: the Tsing Lung Bridge and the Stonecutters Bridge, the design and construction of which have drawn expressions of interest from bridge engineers and architects world-wide.

The Tsing Lung Bridge connecting Tsing Lung Tau and North Lantau will be a landmark structure on Route 10— North Lantau to Yuen Long Highway. Its main span will be 1 418 metres-41 metres longer than the existing Tsing Ma Bridge. Upon its completion now targeted in 2007, the Tsing Lung Bridge will be the third longest suspension bridge in the world. Construction work is expected to start in 2002.

The Stonecutters Bridge will be located across the entrance to the Kwai Chung Container Terminals, and be a key component of the section of Route 9 linking Tsing Yi Island and Cheung Sha Wan in West Kowloon. Given its prominent location within Victoria Harbour, an international competition is being held to select the best design.

The Stonecutters Bridge will have a span of more than 1 000 metres. Construction is expected to start in 2003 for completion in 2007.

The Central Wan Chai Bypass and Island Eastern Corridor connection targeted for completion in 2010 will provide long-term relief to the traffic congestion along the Connaught Road Central Harcourt Road Gloucester Road corridor at the

north shore of Hong Kong Island.

Another strategic road project under investigation and preliminary design is an eight-kilometre section of Route 7 along the western coastline of Hong Kong Island. It will provide a direct connection between Kennedy Town to Aberdeen, thereby alleviating the traffic pressure on the existing north-south routes of Hong Kong Island.

Expansion of Information Technology

Hong Kong has been steadily building up its technology sector and a further major step forward was taken in 1999 when the Government decided to proceed with the development of a Cyberport.

The Cyberport will become a focal point for hi-tech companies. This important infrastructure project is aimed at creating a strategic cluster of leading companies in the fields of information technology and information services, all staffed by talented professionals.

The Cyberport will provide a high-quality working and living environment that will attract both multinational companies and promising local companies. Over 110 companies have already expressed their interest in operating there. Upon full development, the Cyberport will accommodate about 130 companies of different sizes