Preliminary work for the proposed bridge linking Hong Kong with Zhuhai and Macau is expected to be completed by the end of next year, Hong Kong's transport chief said yesterday.
The Environment, Transport and Works Bureau plans to seek $59 million from the Legislative Council's public works subcommittee on October 29 to hire consultants for investigation and preliminary design work.
Secretary for Environment, Transport and Works Sarah Liao Sau-tung told the transport panel yesterday that the investigation study would start in November and was scheduled for completion next October. But Dr Liao made no commitment on an exact timetable for starting the project.
The bureau has identified Sha Lo Wan, south of Chek Lap Kok airport, as an alternative starting point to nearby San Shek Wan.
The bureau says starting the bridge at Sha Lo Wan, where a connecting road would run south of the airport to link with the local road network, would reduce construction costs and the project's environmental impact.
But Dr Liao said the government would consider technical problems arising from starting the bridge at Sha Lo Wan, such as its impact on flight paths.