All factors considered
I refer to the letter headlined, ' 'Commonsense' alternative to North Lantau road', by Gavin Coates (South China Morning Post, December 8).
Mr Coates shared the views of Jenny Quinton (letter, Post, December 2) about the proposed road from North Lantau to Mui Wo. The Transport Department replied to Ms Quinton, through these columns, on December 23 and explained why we are carrying out a feasibility study of the proposed road. I, however, would like to explain other points raised by Mr Coates.
We need to have feasibility studies on our highway projects to find out the costs, implications and impact of the projects before we can decide whether to proceed further.
We completed the Tung Chung Road widening feasibility study last year. It reveals that widening of the road would have an adverse impact on the country park and the road's gradients cannot be improved due to the difficult terrain. We therefore will not have a full-scale widening of the road to a two-lane road; instead we are carrying out a study on the proposed road from North Lantau to Mui Wo.
In our current study of this proposed road, we are examining various possible alignment options, including tunnel options which can avoid the existing and potential country parks. All relevant factors, including the costs, environmental impact, land uses, fung shui issues, local people's views, impact on the existing and potential country parks, etc, will be carefully considered before we recommend a preferred alignment for the proposed road.
A detailed environmental impact assessment of the project is being carried out and the report will be available for public inspection and comment under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance by late 1999.
If it is decided to proceed further with the project, it will be gazetted under the Roads (Works, Use and Compensation) Ordinance and the public will have two months to comment or raise objections to the project.
LUCY HO SAU-PING Senior Engineer/Highways Complaints Highways Department
