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The Transport Department today (Monday) announces that Ting Kau Bridge, a key section of Route Three trunk road network, will be opened for traffic from 2 pm on May 6.
The remaining sections of the new Route Three trunk road, including Tai Lam Tunnel, will be opened in a few weeks' time.
A Government spokesman said: "The Ting Kau Bridge, the longest cable-stayed bridge in Hong Kong, will help relieve growing traffic between northwest New Territories (NT) and the urban areas.
"It not only provides a convenient and direct access for residents in northwest NT to Tung Chung but also the new airport at Chek Lap Kok.
"With the provision of an alternative route between NT West and the urban areas, congestion on Tsuen Wan Road and along Tuen Mun Road in Tsuen Wan will be much relieved."
Ting Kau Bridge, 1,177 metres in length, forms a vital part of Route Three. It comprises two carriageways, each carries three traffic lanes and a hard shoulder.
The northern end of the bridge is attached to two ramps connecting Tuen Mun Road bothbounds.
Vehicles on Tuen Mun Road (Kowloon bound) can access Ting Kau Bridge via the newly constructed slip road to the east of Sham Tseng Interchange.
Vehicles on Castle Peak Road may proceed via Sham Tseng Interchange towards Tuen Mun Road for access to Ting Kau Bridge.
The southern end of the bridge connects to North West Tsing Yi Interchange. Vehicles may proceed through Cheung Tsing Highway to Kowloon and Hong Kong Island or through the slip road to Lantau Link for access to Tung Chung and Chek Lap Kok.
Vehicles on the Tsing Kwai Highway and Cheung Tsing Tunnel (NT bound) may enter directly to Ting Kau Bridge at North West Tsing Yi Interchange.
Vehicles on the bridge may proceed for Tuen Mun Road (Tuen Mun bound) through a slip road at its northern end.
However, the spokesman advised motorists from northwest NT to continue to use Tuen Mun Road and Tsuen Wan Road for access to Tsuen Wan and Tsing Yi East.
"This route is shorter in length and free from traffic signals, when compared with the alternative route of Ting Kau Bridge and Tsing Yi Road West," he added.
On public transport, there will be no bus routes operating via Ting Kau Bridge until the opening of Route Three (Country Park Section) (including Tai Lam Tunnel) in a few weeks' time.
NT taxis will be prohibited from using Ting Kau Bridge until Tsing Yi Airport Railway station commissioned as they are only allowed to provide services for the railway station and the new airport at Chek Lap Kok.
Appropriate prohibition signs will be installed on Tuen Mun Road eastbound ahead of Ting Kau, giving advance notice to taxis drivers.
The speed limit on the bridge is 80 kph and 70 kph on associated slip roads. Traffic signs will be erected to advise motorists on speed limits.
The spokesman reminded motorists to observe the general driving rules of expressways when travelling on Ting Kau Bridge. It includes:
* Pay attention to variable message signs and comply with instructions so given;
* Keep to the left lane unless overtaking another vehicle;
* Medium and heavy goods vehicles and buses are not allowed to drive on fast lane; and
* Do not U-turn or reverse.
Ting Kau Bridge may be temporarily closed in case of an emergency incident or when there are strong winds.
When an hourly mean wind speed excess 40 kilometres per hour (kph), motor cycles and vehicles exceeding 1.6 metres in height will be diverted. The bridge may be closed when the wind speed reaches 65 kph.
Motorists will be notified of the special arrangements through display on variable message signs erected at all entrance approaches to Ting Kau Bridge.
In time of a complete closure, motorists on Lantau Link should route via Cheung Tsing Highway, Tsing Yi Road West, Tsing Tsuen Road, Tsuen Wan Road and Tuen Mun Road.
Motorists travel between NT West and the urban areas should route via Tuen Mun Road and Tsuen Wan Road. Those motorists in NT West heading for the Lantau Island can U-turn at Mei Foo Interchange on Tsing Kwai Highway to reach Lantau Link.
The spokesman noted that after the opening of Ting Kau Bridge, one lane each bound may be closed for Highways Department to complete the remaining works.
Motorists are urged to drive with great care and take notice of the posted speed limits, lane use signals and temporary diversion signs along the bridge.
The Ting Kau Bridge project consists of:
* A unique triple tower dual three-lane cable-stayed bridge over Rambler Channel between Tsing Yi Island and Ting Kau Headland;
* Two two-lane slip roads connecting to Tuen Mun Road;
* A 0.5 kilometre long dual three-lane approach viaduct across Tuen Mun Road connecting Ting Kau Bridge to Tai Lam Tunnel when Route Three (Country Park Section) opened for traffic in a few weeks' time; and
* Two 3.6 metres wide hard shoulders on Ting Kau Bridge to facilitate the maintenance of traffic flows in emergency and during routine maintenance operations.
Design and construction of Ting Kau Bridge commenced in September 1994. The contract value of the project amounts to HK$1,738 million.
End/Monday, April 27, 1998
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