ENG-2018 — Page 274

14

Transport

Pedestrian Transport

Walk in Hong Kong

The government promotes 'Walk in HK' to encourage people to walk more under four themes: 'Make it smart' by providing user-friendly information on walking routes, 'Make it connected' by enhancing pedestrian networks, 'Make it enjoyable' by making walking a pleasant experience, and 'Make it safe' by providing a safe and quality pedestrian environment. In 2018, the Transport Department studied and formulated measures to enhance pedestrian connectivity between Wan Chai and Sheung Wan; extended the walking route search function, including barrier-free routes, in the HKeMobility mobile application from major shopping areas in Causeway Bay to Yau Tsim Mong; conducted stage 1 of a public engagement exercise on enhancing walkability; selected Central and Sham Shui Po as the two pilot areas to test out innovative measures for a comfortable walking environment; installed smart devices at nine signalised junctions to allow more blinking of the 'green man' when the elderly and the disabled crossed the road; completed the synchronisation of traffic lights at 20 staggered pedestrian crossings; launched a pilot pedestrian wayfinding signage system in Tsim Sha Tsui and began constructing shelters above selected public walkways.

Hillside Escalator Links and Elevator Systems

To help pedestrians access hilly terrain, one project each in Kowloon City and Tsing Yi and two in Kwai Chung are under construction and scheduled for completion from 2019. The construction of another project in Kwai Chung will start in the first quarter of 2019 for completion in 2023. An assessment mechanism established in 2009 for hillside escalator link and elevator system proposals is being reviewed. Upon completion of the review, the Transport Department will apply the revised mechanism to screen, shortlist and prioritise the 114 proposals received in the past few years.

Improving Pedestrian Environment

In 2018, detailed design for a proposed elevated pedestrian corridor in Yuen Long Town connecting with Long Ping Station was substantially completed. A review of the preliminary design for a proposed footbridge system in Mong Kok started. A proposed pedestrian environment improvement scheme in Causeway Bay was also being reviewed, taking into account the latest developments in the area.

Universal Accessibility

Where technically feasible, barrier-free access facilities such as lifts and ramps may be installed at public walkways, namely footbridges, elevated walkways and subways, which are maintained by the Highways Department. Out of 145 retrofitting items, 91 were completed as at end- December.

Under the Universal Accessibility Programme, the 18 district councils nominated for priority implementation 54 public walkways involving 57 retrofitting items, of which 20 items were completed as at end-December. The second phase of the programme is no longer confined to public walkways maintained by the department, provided certain criteria are met. Investigation or design work for a fresh batch of 45 retrofitting items at walkways nominated by the district councils is ongoing. The third phase is to be taken forward as announced in the 2018 Policy

216