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The Government published in the gazette today (Friday) the railway scheme for the Sheung Shui to Lok Ma Chau Spur Line (the Spur Line) in accordance with the Railways Ordinance.

A Government spokesman said that the scheme would provide a 7.4-km passenger rail spur line from the existing KCR Sheung Shui Station to a new Lok Ma Chau Terminal Building.

A new rail passenger boundary crossing in the form of a footbridge will connect the Terminal Building to the Shenzhen Metro Huanggang Station. The Spur Line will provide relief to the increasingly congested boundary crossing at Lo Wu.

About 70 per cent of the Spur Line will be on viaduct. When completed, trains to Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau will be operated as split service direct from the existing Hung Hom Station.

"The Government is committed to implementing the Spur Line to meet the transport needs and to strengthen the linkage with the Mainland side," the spokesman said.

"It is envisaged that subject to authorisation by the Chief Executive in Council, the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation will start construction of the project in early 2001 for completion in 2004," he said.

Under the Railways Ordinance, members of the public have the right to lodge objection to the railway scheme for the Spur Line from now until December 7,1999 and they can claim compensation under provisions of the Ordinance.

The scheme and the relevant plans are available for public inspection at the Central and Western District Office, the North District Office, the Yuen Long District Office, the North District Lands Office and the Yuen Long District Lands Office during office hours.

End/Friday, October 8, 1999

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