HK$1.7 billion footbridge proposal to be put on hold for public vetting but no plans to drop project, Hong Kong No 2 official says
Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung expresses government willingness to listen to professional groups, but lawmaker says move is only out of respect
Plans for a HK$1.7 billion (US$217 million) footbridge in Yuen Long, criticised by residents for potentially becoming a white elephant, will be put on hold while the government conducts more public consultation, Hong Kong’s No 2 official has said.
The issue centred on differences in the opinions of groups, including five professional architectural, design and surveyor bodies, which questioned if the project would be cost effective.
Cheung said the government would do a more thorough consultation so groups could “reach common ground”, but he did not say if it would amend the proposal.
Officials had submitted a request for HK$1.7 billion to build a 540-metre footbridge over the Yuen Long Town Nullah, saying it would relieve pedestrian congestion in the area. The footbridge, which is aimed at improving residents’ access to mass transport during peak hours, will connect to Long Ping MTR station on the West Rail Line.