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The Director of Territory Development, Mr Wong Hung-kin, today (February 16) signed a $1.386 billion contract with a representative of the contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company (Group) for the construction of Road T7 in Ma On Shan to meet the traffic demand arising from the continuing development of the New Town.

The works under the contract include the construction of 3.2 kilometre dual two-lane carriageway between Heng On Estate and Cheung Muk Tau Village, of which 1.2 km will be on bridge structures. At its west end, the trunk road will be connected to Ma On Shan Road at Heng On Estate, and at the east end, to Sai Sha Road and at Cheung Muk Tau Village.

The population in Ma On Shan New Town is expected to increase to 205,000 by 2006. Road T7 will by-pass the busy Ma On Shan Town Centre, relieving traffic congestion in the local roads within the new town. Upon its completion, the journey time from Tai Shui Hang to Cheung Muk Tau Village during peak hours in 2006 would be reduced from 20 minutes to five minutes.

Extensive noise mitigation works, including 2,360 metres of semi-enclosed noise barriers and 1,675 metres of cantilever noise barriers will be built along the proposed trunk road. A stringent environmental monitoring and audit programme will be introduced to ensure that the necessary mitigation measures are undertaken during the construction period.

The works are expected to take about three years to complete.

End/Friday, February 16, 2001

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