Lo Wu Bridge short-term improvement works completed on schedule

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Short-term improvement works at the Lo Wu Footbridge have been completed according to schedule.

At a total cost of about $2.3 million, the works entail the installation of 72 air-conducting fans to improve ventilation; relocation of railings to widen the main passenger lanes; and replacement of the ceiling and floor tiles.

At a site briefing today (February 8), Principal Assistant Secretary for Security Mr Alan Chu said, "With the full co-operation of the Port Office of the People's Government of Shenzhen and concerned parties, namely, the Architectural Services Department, the Police, the Customs and Excise Department, the Immigration Department and the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation, very smooth progress was made, resulting in completion of the project before the peak season of the Lunar New Year."

"We wish to thank passengers for their patience and co-operation throughout the works period.

"We hope that passengers will enjoy the comfort of an improved environment. Also, with the widening of the main passenger lane, it will help alleviate congestion during peak hours, facilitating the movements of passengers between the two places," Mr Chu said.

The short-term improvement project in question is an area of co-operation arising from the joint efforts of the Hong Kong and Guangdong governments to enhance boundary crossing facilities.

The project was endorsed at the 4th plenary of the Hong Kong/Guangdong Cooperation Joint Conference held on July 25 last year. At the plenary, the principle of "Uniform Design, Co-ordinated Commissioning of Works, Separate Management and Cost Sharing" in co-operation was also laid down.

The scope of the works, implementation details, technical standards and the work schedule of the Lo Wu project were jointly worked out by the Port Office of the People's Government of Shenzhen and the Security Bureau and the Architectural Services Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

Mr Chu said, "The satisfactory outcome is a very pleasant experience for both sides and it lays a good foundation for future co-operation in the installation of air-conditioning system at the Lo Wu Footbridge."

End/Friday, February 8, 2002

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