ENG-2004 — Page 316

266 Transport

Railway Development and Railway Development Strategy 2000

Railways are safe, efficient, reliable, comfortable and environmentally friendly mass carriers. They play a key role in Hong Kong's transport systems strategy. The Government accords high priority to railway development.

To meet Hong Kong's increasing transport needs in a sustainable manner over the next two decades, the Government has formulated the Railway Development Strategy 2000 that would provide a blueprint for the next phase of our railway development.

KCR West Rail, the East Rail Tsim Sha Tsui Extension and the East Rail Tai Wai to Ma On Shan Rail Link began operation since December 2003, October 2004 and December 2004, respectively. These projects involved an investment of about $63 billion. Two rail projects (the Sheung Shui to Lok Ma Chau Spur Line and the Disneyland Resort Line) are now under construction at a total cost of about $12 billion.

Two new rail projects, Kowloon Southern Link and Sha Tin to Central Link, are now under active planning for implementation at a total estimated cost of about $38 billion.

Transport Infrastructure

Existing Road Network

Hong Kong has 1943 kilometres of roads and 1 087 road structures, three immersed-tube cross-harbour tunnels, nine road tunnels and three major bridges. These facilities provide a comprehensive road network for Hong Kong.

Major projects completed during the year included:

widening of Sai Sha Road to a dual two-lane carriageway between Kam Ying Road and its junction with Trunk Road T7 to cope with future growth in traffic demand from adjoining private development; and

• the new boundary bridge between Lok Ma Chau and Huanggang, which is a dual two-lane bridge, to relieve the traffic burden on the existing boundary bridge.

Existing Tunnels

The Cross-Harbour Tunnel, Eastern Harbour Crossing, Tate's Cairn Tunnel, Western Harbour Crossing and Tai Lam Tunnel were built by the private sector under 'Build, Operate and Transfer' franchises.

The 1.9-kilometre Cross-Harbour Tunnel connects Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island and Hung Hom in Kowloon. The franchise for the tunnel, which was opened in 1972, ended on August 31, 1999, and the facility was handed back to the Government. With a daily patronage of 121 700 vehicles, it is one of the world's busiest four-lane road tunnels. The tolls ranged from $8 to $30 for different types of vehicles.