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The Central-Wan Chai Bypass (the CWB) and Island Eastern Corridor Link project was officially launched today (January 29). The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, said at the groundbreaking ceremony that the CWB would enhance the efficiency of Hong Kong's road network.
Mr Tang pointed out that the CWB was the last road section to be built as a part of the strategic route along the northern shore of Hong Kong Island. Upon its commissioning, the travelling time from North Point to Central will be significantly reduced to five minutes by diverting from the traffic-congested areas like Causeway Bay, Wan Chai and Central. The existing traffic congestion along the northern shore of Hong Kong Island will be alleviated.
"The construction will also bring invaluable social benefits to the community. The CWB will link the expressway system from Island East to Western New Territories to enhance Hong Kong's road network. The travelling time will thus be reduced and help enhance the connection and development of different areas in Hong Kong. The roadside air pollution problem arising from traffic congestion will also be lessened," he said.
The 4.5km CWB, which is expected to be completed in 2017, will be a three-lane two-way trunk road consisting of a 3.7km long tunnel section. It runs from the Rumsey Street Flyover to the tunnel entrance outside IFC. Passing underground through the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the former Wan Chai Public Cargo Working Area, the portal of Cross Harbour Tunnel and the Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter, the CWB will finally connect to the Island Eastern Corridor at North Point by a viaduct.
Mr Tang said the Government had carried out extensive research and planning on a scientific basis in order to strike a balance between the need for transport infrastructure and the environmental impact induced by the project.
"We are concerned about the environmental impact as much as the public. Environmental protection is all along the main concern of this project. To protect our harbour, we have planned the temporary reclamations to the minimum extent required.
"We will return the harbour to the community. Every piece of additional land between Central and North Point will be utilised to develop a world-class waterfront promenade with connecting subways and footbridges to facilitate easy access for people to embrace the harbour," he added.
The latest effective air purification system will be set up to clean the air from the tunnel to a higher standard. To reduce the traffic noise nuisance to neighbouring residents, 600m long noise barriers and 730m long noise semi-enclosures will be erected at the North Point section of Island Eastern Corridor.
Mr Tang noted that the Government would continue to closely monitor the environmental impact induced by the works and carry out relief measures if necessary. The Government will continue to maintain close dialogue with the relevant District Councils, resident groups and other stakeholders with a view to reducing the impact to the minimum.
In the past few years, the Government had carried out an extensive public consultation exercise through meetings with about 20 concerned organisations and more than 60 consultation activities to collect the views of different parties so as to enhance the project.
Mr Tang said the Government was aware that people would miss the temporary dog park along the Causeway Bay promenade. The Government will liaise with local groups in order to relocate the park in the vicinity.
The CWB project mainly includes construction of road tunnels and viaducts, associated slip roads and approach roads to the tunnels, ancillary administration building and ventilation buildings. It is estimated that the project will create more than 6,400 jobs for the construction industry.
Other officiating guests at today's ceremony were the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Ms Eva Cheng; Legislative Council members Ir. Hon Raymond Ho and Hon Miriam Lau; the Chairman of Central and Western District Council, Mr Chan Tak-chor; the Vice-Chairman of Wan Chai District Council, Mr Ng Kam-chun and the Project Manager/Major Works of Highways Department, Mr Mak Wai-pui.
Ends/Friday, January 29, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:06
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