************************************************************
In response to recent media enquiries on the relationship between expansion of the existing Admiralty Station for the Shatin to Central Link (SCL) portion and the South Island Line (East) (SIL(E)), a spokesman for the Transport and Housing Bureau today (January 18) said as follows:
The Admiralty Station will be the terminus on Hong Kong Island for both the proposed SCL and SIL(E). The Government plans to expand the existing Admiralty Station to accommodate railway facilities for the SCL and SIL(E), so as to provide convenient and efficient platforms for SCL and SIL(E) passengers to interchange to the existing Tsuen Wan Line and Island Line at the same time.
The expanded Admiralty Station will comprise six levels. The lowest level will be the SIL(E)'s platform, with the platform of SCL immediately above it. The other levels will be interchanging platforms and station entrances.
"From a technical perspective, the expanded Admiralty Station is an integral structure serving both railway lines. It must be constructed one layer on top of the other. Without the completion of the structural works for the SCL's platform, the construction works for the upper levels cannot be carried out for the effective operation of the railway," the spokesman said.
"We have to complete the structural works of the expanded Admiralty Station as scheduled in order to tie in with the implementation programme of the SIL(E) in 2015. Other facilities (such as the installation of electricity and air-conditioning systems) and finishing works soley for the SCL in the Admiralty Station can be implemented later in conjunction with the completion until the commissioning of the Hong Kong Island section of SCL," he said.
Ends/Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Issued at HKT 22:34
NNNN
