Hong Kong 2003
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Transport Infrastructure

Existing Road Network

At the end of 2003, Hong Kong had 1 934 kilometres of roads and 1 057 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 Fo Tan Road between Yuen Wo Road and Kwei Tei Street from dual two-lane to dual three-lane with improvements to the capacities of the adjoining junctions. The project caters for the traffic demand arising from the industrial and residential developments in the Fo Tan and Sui Wo areas.

* Widening of the section of Tolo Highway between the Island House Interchange and the Ma Liu Shui Interchange by adding one traffic lane in each direction.

* The improvement to the Island Eastern Corridor section between the North Point Interchange and Sai Wan Ho to alleviate the problem caused by weaving and merging traffic.

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 119 800 vehicles in 2003, it is one of the world's busiest four-lane road tunnels. The tolls ranged from $8 to $30 for different types of vehicles.

The two-kilometre Eastern Harbour Crossing was opened in 1989. It links Quarry Bay on Hong Kong Island and Cha Kwo Ling in Kowloon. A daily average of 71 300 vehicles used the tunnel in 2003. Tolls ranged from $8 to $45.

The two-kilometre Western Harbour Crossing is the first six-lane cross-harbour road tunnel in Hong Kong. Opened in 1997, it links Sai Ying Pun on Hong Kong Island and the West Kowloon Reclamation near Yau Ma Tei in Kowloon. It was used by an average of 37 300 vehicles daily in 2003. Statutory tolls ranged from $30 to $185. The tunnel company offers concessionary tolls and the actual tolls ranged from $20 to $100.

The four-kilometre Tate's Cairn Tunnel, the longest road tunnel in Hong Kong, was opened to traffic in 1991, providing an additional direct road link between the north-eastern New Territories and Kowloon. It was used by an average of 60 900 vehicles daily in 2003. Tolls ranged from $10 to $20.

The 3.8-kilometre Tai Lam Tunnel, together with the 6.3-kilometre Yuen Long Approach Road, forms the Route 3 (Country Park section), which extends from Ting Kau to Au Tau. Opened in May 1998, it was used by an average of 44 300 vehicles daily in 2003. Statutory tolls ranged from $20 to $90. The tunnel company offers concessionary tolls and the actual tolls ranged from $17 to $75.

The 2.4-kilometre Discovery Bay Tunnel Link, which comprises a 630-metre single tube two-way tunnel and a 1 770-metre approach road, is operated and maintained by the Discovery Bay Road Tunnel Company Limited, which also built it. It extends from Discovery Bay through Yi Pak Au to Cheung Tung Road. The tunnel link is only open to Discovery Bay residents' services and goods vehicles providing delivery of goods or a servicing function. Opened in May 2000, the tunnel link was used by an average of 700 vehicles daily in 2003. It has a one-way toll collection arrangement. The vehicles are charged a single journey toll when they enter Discovery Bay. The tolls ranged from $50 to $250.

The Government owns seven of the road tunnels (Lion Rock, Aberdeen, Airport, Shing Mun, Tseung Kwan O, Cheung Tsing and Cross-Harbour) which are managed and operated by private companies under management contracts. Tolls are set and monitored by the Government. The use of the Airport Tunnel and the Cheung Tsing Tunnel is free of charge.

The 1.4-kilometre Lion Rock Tunnel, linking Kowloon and Sha Tin, began single-tube operation in 1967, with a second tube added in 1978. The tunnel was used by 88 000 vehicles daily in 2003. The toll was $8.

The 1.9-kilometre Aberdeen Tunnel, opened in 1982, links the northern and southern parts of Hong Kong Island. It was used by 56 500 vehicles daily in 2003. The toll was $5.

The 1.3-kilometre toll-free Airport Tunnel between Hung Hom and Kowloon Bay passes under the former airport site at Kai Tak and was opened in 1982. It was used by 58 400 vehicles daily in 2003.

The 2.6-kilometre Shing Mun Tunnel between Sha Tin and Tsuen Wan was opened in 1990. A daily average of 53 000 vehicles paid a $5 toll in 2003.

The 900-metre Tseung Kwan O Tunnel, opened in 1990, links Kowloon and the new town at Tseung Kwan O. It was used by 65 400 vehicles daily in 2003. The toll was $3.

The 1.6-kilometre toll-free Cheung Tsing Tunnel was opened in 1997 and links Kwai Chung and Tsing Yi. It was used by 75 200 vehicles daily in 2003.

Existing Rail Network

Besides the network of road tunnels and highways, railways also form a vital part of Hong Kong's transport network. The rail system comprises a heavily utilised Mass Transit Railway (MTR) system, a dedicated express rail passenger service connecting the urban areas with the airport (the Airport Express Line (AEL)) and the Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR) which includes the East Rail (ER), the West Rail (WR) and the Light Rail (LR). Cross-boundary service is also provided by the East Rail. The system now covers about 190 kilometres and has three MTR harbour crossings.

There is also a tramway serving as a local distributor on the northern shore of Hong Kong Island and a funicular tramway running between Central (Garden Road) and the Peak.

Railway Projects Under Construction

The four railway projects under construction are:

* The 11.4-kilometre Ma On Shan to Tai Wai Rail Link (MOS Rail) that connects the Ma On Shan town to the existing KCR East Rail at Tai Wai Station. Construction started in November 2000 for completion in 2004.

* The one-kilometre Hung Hom to Tsim Sha Tsui Extension (TST Extension) that extends the KCR East Rail from the existing Hung Hom terminus to a new station at Tsim Sha Tsui East. Construction started in March 2001 for completion in 2004.

* The 3.5-kilometre Penny's Bay Rail Link that connects a new Sunny Bay Station on the existing MTR Tung Chung Line to Penny's Bay where Hong Kong Disneyland is being built. Construction started in August 2002 for completion in 2005, to tie in with the opening of the Disneyland.

* The 7.4-kilometre Sheung Shui to Lok Ma Chau Spur Line (Spur Line) connects the KCR East Rail at Sheung Shui with a new passenger boundary crossing at Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang. Construction started in October 2002 for completion before mid-2007.

Railway Projects Under Planning

The seven railway projects under planning are:

* The Kowloon Southern Link (KSL) that will connect the KCR East Rail and West Rail at the southern tip of the Kowloon Peninsula. Upon completion, passengers will be able to interchange between the East Rail and the West Rail at Hung Hom. The project is in the detailed planning and design stage, with completion envisaged around 2009.

* The 17-kilometre Shatin to Central Link (SCL) that will be a strategic corridor from the New Territories to Hong Kong Island, via south-eastern Kowloon. The KCRC, which was awarded the project, is firming up the scheme with a view to completing the link within the window of 2008-2011 as recommended in the RDS-2000.

* The South Hong Kong Island Line (SIL) that links up the northern and southern parts of Hong Kong Island. The MTRCL is carrying out a preliminary study to develop various schemes for integrating the SIL and the WIL Phase 1.

* The Island Line Extensions that will comprise a new North Hong Kong Island Line (NIL) and a new West Hong Kong Island Line (WIL). The NIL will be an extension of the existing MTR Tung Chung Line eastwards along the north shore of Hong Kong Island to join up with the eastern half of the MTR Island Line (ISL) at Fortress Hill. At the same time, the MTR Tseung Kwan O Line (TKL) will be connected with the ISL's western half at Tin Hau. The WIL will be an extension of the existing ISL from Sheung Wan to Kennedy Town. The Government decided in January 2003 that the NIL would be deferred beyond 2016 because of a slower build-up of population along the northern shore of Hong Kong Island, and that the route would be protected administratively. Also, the WIL would be planned in conjunction with the SIL.

* The Northern Link that will link the West Rail to the Lok Ma Chau boundary crossing. It will also link up the East Rail and the West Rail to enable passengers to travel more widely in the northern parts of the New Territories. Its implementation will depend on the growth of cross-boundary traffic from the western part of the HKSAR and developments in the north-western New Territories. The situation is being closely monitored.

* The Regional Express Line (REL) that will provide a new express connection between the boundary and the urban area. It will form part of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, which is intended to shorten the journey time between Hong Kong and Guangzhou to within 60 minutes. A joint expert group comprising representatives from the Mainland and Hong Kong authorities has been formed to study the feasibility of this rail link.

* The Port Rail Line (PRL) that will be a freight rail connection from Lo Wu to a new terminal at Kwai Chung. The PRL will allow freight from the deep hinterland of the Mainland (i.e. beyond the Pearl River Delta) to access the container port at Kwai Chung. Its implementation depends on cross-boundary freight build-up. The KCRC is studying the viability of the project.

Road Projects Under Construction

Major road projects being implemented include:

* Deep Bay Link (DBL) and Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Corridor (HK-SWC): construction of the DBL and the HK-SWC commenced in June and August, respectively, for completion in end-2005. The HK-SWC will become Hong Kong's fourth vehicular boundary crossing while the DBL will link it with the local transport network.

* New Boundary Bridge between Lok Ma Chau and Huanggang: to relieve the traffic burden on the existing boundary bridge between Lok Ma Chau and Huanggang, a new dual two-lane bridge is being built, and due to be completed by end-2004.

* Widening of Yuen Long Highway between Lam Tei and the Shap Pat Heung Interchange: this section of Yuen Long Highway is being widened to a dual three-lane carriageway to cope with the anticipated growth in traffic. Works commenced in August for completion by end-2005.

* Route 8 (previously known as Route 9 (Cheung Sha Wan to Sha Tin)): construction commenced in October 2002 for completion in mid-2007. This dual three-lane carriageway will serve as an additional link between Sha Tin and Kowloon and relieve traffic on existing links including the Lion Rock Tunnel and the Tate's Cairn Tunnel.

* Route 8 (previously known as Route 9 (Tsing Yi and Cheung Sha Wan)): construction commenced in April 2002 for completion in 2008. This dual three-lane carriageway will provide an alternative route to the Route 3 Tsing Yi and Kwai Chung sections and access to the Container Terminals 8 and 9.

* Trunk Road T3: this dual two-lane trunk road in Tai Wai links Route 8 (previously known as Route 9 (Cheung Sha Wan to Sha Tin)) with the existing Tai Po Road and will help relieve traffic congestion by providing a bypass for several congested sections of Tai Po Road. Construction commenced in March for completion in 2007.

* Route 9 (previously known as Route 5) between Shek Wai Kok and Chai Wan Kok: this dual two-lane carriageway will provide a direct link between the Shing Mun Tunnel and Tuen Mun Road as well as a local link to western Tsuen Wan. Construction commenced in September 2002 for completion in 2006.

* Trunk Road T7: this dual two-lane trunk road linking Ma On Shan Road and Sai Sha Road will serve as a bypass for Ma On Shan Road and allow traffic to avoid the busy Ma On Shan Town Centre. Construction commenced in January 2001 for completion in mid-2004.

* Widening of the section of Sai Sha Road between Kam Ying Road and its junction with Trunk Road T7: to cope with future growth in traffic demand from adjoining private developments, this section of Sai Sha Road is being widened to dual two-lane standard. Work started in August 2002 for completion in end-2004.

* Chok Ko Wan Link Road (Penny's Bay section): this dual three-lane carriageway will be the access road to developments at Penny's Bay, including Hong Kong Disneyland. Construction started in August 2002 for completion in August 2005.

* Castle Peak Road between Sham Tseng and Ka Loon Tsuen, Tsuen Wan: this section of Castle Peak Road is being widened to a dual two-lane carriageway to cater for increasing traffic demand. Works commenced in November 2001 for completion in 2006.

* Salisbury Road Underpass: this dual two-lane underpass along Salisbury Road will improve the traffic capacity at the junction of Salisbury Road and Chatham Road South. Works started in March 2001 for completion in 2004. The project also involves widening the section of Salisbury Road between Wing On Plaza and Canton Road.

Road Projects Under Planning

A number of road construction/improvement projects are under planning to further expand and improve the existing road network:

* A Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Advance Work Co-ordination Group has been formed to take forward planning for the project.

* Improvement to Castle Peak Road between Ka Loon Tsuen and Siu Lam by upgrading it to dual two-lane carriageway standard would commence in March 2004 for completion in May 2007.

* Reconstruction and improvement of Tuen Mun Road would commence tentatively in end-2005 for completion in end-2011. The project is intended to upgrade the carriageway to current expressway standard so as to enhance road safety and to cater for the growing traffic demand. Design and site investigation works would start in mid-2004.

* Planning of the Central-Wan Chai Bypass and the Island Eastern Corridor Link is under way. This dual three-lane carriageway aims at relieving traffic congestion along the existing Connaught Road Central/Harcourt Road/Gloucester Road, which is the key east-west traffic route along the northern shore of Hong Kong Island linking the Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay areas.

* On Lantau Island, it is planned to upgrade the existing Tung Chung Road between Lung Tseng Tau and Cheung Sha to a single two-lane road to improve the island's north-south access and to enhance the safety and capacity of the existing substandard Tung Chung Road. Detailed design has been completed. Construction works are expected to commence in early 2004 for completion in 2006-07.

* Elsewhere, planning is at an advanced stage for the construction of a new boundary bridge at the Sha Tau Kok crossing, which is intended to improve traffic flow and increase capacity. Works are expected to commence in early 2004 for completion in early 2005.

Road Opening Works

Besides serving as carriageways for vehicles and pedestrians, roads also accommodate various utility services, such as water and gas mains, sewers and electricity and telephone cables. To cope with the increasing demand for utility services and maintenance work, utility companies often have to excavate the carriageways and footpaths to lay more pipes, cables and ducts, and to carry out repair work. There were about 230 new road openings each day in 2003. Road openings are coordinated and controlled by the Highways Department through a permit system, under which utility companies are required to carry out work to a required standard and within a time limit.

To coordinate and monitor road opening works more effectively and to minimise traffic disruption, the Highways Department has established a three-tier communication system with participants ranging from high level management to working level staff of utility companies and relevant government departments. A computerised utility management system has been in use since 1997 to further improve coordination and minimise inconvenience to road users.

Existing Control Area

The Tsing Ma Control Area (TMCA), which was opened to traffic in May 1997, is a 21-kilometre expressway network comprising the Tsing Kwai Highway, Cheung Tsing Tunnel, Cheung Tsing Highway, North-West Tsing Yi Interchange, Tsing Yi North Coastal Road, Lantau Link, Ting Kau Bridge, part of the North Lantau Highway as well as Ma Wan Road. The TMCA is operated and maintained by a private management contractor.

The Lantau Link has a one-way toll collection arrangement. Vehicles travelling on the Lantau Link are charged twice the single journey toll when they return from Lantau Island or enter Ma Wan. The double toll ranges from $20 to $80 for different types of vehicles. A daily average of 40 500 vehicles used the Lantau Link in 2003.

     
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