I refer to K. H. Wong's letter headlined, 'Conditions on risky road must be improved' (South China Morning Post, October 18).
Tung Chung Road is a one-lane road connecting south and north Lantau. It has sharp bends and steep gradients. A total of 27 passing bays are provided along the eight-kilometre-long road to enable vehicles to pass each other. Because of constraints on road capacity, we limit the number and type of vehicles which may use this road.
Over the past three years, we have made more than 40 improvements to the road, such as the provision or extension of passing bays, erection of roadside barriers, carriageway widening, sightline enhancement, and so on, in order to make it safer and to meet the increase in traffic. We continue to identify and implement further improvement measures.
As a long-term solution, we plan to build a standard two-lane road link connecting south and north Lantau and the Highways Department has been looking into the possible options, with a view to minimising any adverse impact on the environment. Subject to the satisfactory completion of various statutory procedures, including environmental ones, and funding approval, we hope to start construction of the new road link in early 2003 for completion in late 2005.
RICKY LEUNG
for Commissioner for Transport
