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The Government today (May 22) gazetted the Chief Executive in Council's authorisation of the Central-Wan Chai Bypass and Island Eastern Corridor Link (the Trunk Road) project under the Roads (Works, Use and Compensation) Ordinance (Cap. 370).
The Trunk Road is a dual three-lane carriageway approximately 4.5km long, of which about 3.7km is in tunnel form. It is the last yet to be built section of the strategic highway running along the northern part of Hong Kong Island, connecting the Rumsey Street Flyover in Central and the Island Eastern Corridor in North Point. There is a compelling need for the Trunk Road to provide relief for the very congested Connaught Road Central/Harcourt Road/Gloucester Road Corridor of Hong Kong Island during peak hours.
The estimated cost of the project is about $28.1 billion and will create about 6,400 jobs during the construction period. The Government will seek funding support from the Public Works Sub-committee and Finance Committee of the Legislative Council for the construction of the project as soon as practicable. Subject to funding approval, construction works will start at end 2009 for completion in early 2017.
Ends/Friday, May 22, 2009
Issued at HKT 11:31
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