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The Territory Development Department today (November 15) awarded a $1,074 million contract for the construction of the Sha Tin Heights Tunnel and Approaches of Route 9.

The new road is part of the section of Route 9 between Cheung Sha Wan and Sha Tin. Upon completion in mid 2007, this section of Route 9 will provide a direct connection with shorter travel time between Sha Tin and west Kowloon and will help alleviate the existing traffic congestion at Lion Rock Tunnel, Tate's Cairn Tunnel and Tai Po Road.

Works under the contract mainly include the site formation for a toll plaza with an area of about 5.6 ha at the valley of Sha Tin Heights, the construction of a 1-km long dual three-lane tunnel under the Sha Tin Heights and a 0.6-km long dual two-lane tunnel approach road in Tai Wai.

The contract will also include the construction of two slip road viaducts with a total length of approximately 1 km connecting to Che Kung Miu Road. Associated drainage and slope works as well as landscape works will also be carried out.

Under the contract, extensive noise mitigation works including an approximately 460-m long full enclosure and 2.3-km long cantilever and vertical noise barriers ranging from 3 to 5.5 metres high will be built.

A stringent environmental monitoring and audit programme will be introduced to control the environmental impact arising from the construction works.

The contract was signed today between the Director of Territory Development, Mr Wong Hung-kin and representatives from the contractor, China State - China Railway Joint Venture.

The first section of Route 9 comprising the North Lantau Highway and Lantau Link from Chek Lap Kok to north Tsing Yi was completed in 1997. Construction of the remaining section of Route 9 between Tsing Yi and Cheung Sha Wan has also commenced. The entire Route 9 between Chek Lap Kok and Sha Tin is scheduled to open by end of 2007.

End/Friday, November 15, 2002

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