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The Cross-Harbour Tunnel (CHT) has greatly improved the mobility of passenger and goods transport, and caused changes to the travelling pattern of Hong Kong people, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Robert Footman, said.

Being the first cross-harbour tunnel in Hong Kong, the CHT has provided a direct road link between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula.

The number of vehicles handled by the CHT has increased progressively, from 26,400 vehicles daily in 1972 to a daily average of 120,000 vehicles in 1999.

Speaking at a ceremony to mark the transfer of CHT to the Government this (Tuesday) afternoon, Mr Footman noted that the CHT was the first "Build, Operate and Transfer" (BOT) tunnel project participated by the private sector.

He said: "The construction of the Cross-Harbour Tunnel marked a significant change in the history of transport infrastructure development in Hong Kong.

"Its success has encouraged private sector investment in other transport infrastructure projects such as the Eastern Harbour Crossing, Western Harbour Crossing, Tate's Cairn Tunnel and Tai Lam Tunnel.

"It has also provided the foundation for new expertise in tunnel management and operation, and for the development of the industry in Hong Kong to achieve and even to set world class standards," he said.

At the ceremony, he thanked the Cross-Harbour Tunnel Company for serving the public and to promote the development of Hong Kong.

He also welcomed the government contractor, Hong Kong Tunnels and Highways Management Company, for taking up the management of the CHT and wished the company every success in operating the tunnel.

End/Tuesday, August 31, 1999

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