Charity walkers first to test fancy TKO bridge

Jane Cheung

The Community Chest's Walk for Millions will be held physically at the new Cross Bay Link in Tseung Kwan O on November 20, marking its return after a two-year hiatus.

Participants can set foot on the HK$5.6 billion, 1.8-kilometer landmark bridge - the first marine viaduct in Hong Kong with a carriageway, cycle track and footpath - as part of the chest's six-kilometer New Territories walk.

The chest said it will implement precautionary measures against Covid in the event aimed at raising funds for its family and child welfare services.

But it did not give details such as the number of walkers. Those "will be announced in due course" on its website and Facebook page. "Also, the Hong Kong and Kowloon Walk for Millions is tentatively scheduled for the first quarter of 2023, subject to approval from the government," it added.

The New Territories walk will start near the junction of Po Yap Road, Po Shun Road in Tseung Kwan O, then proceed along a new road leading to the TKO Interchange and further onto the marine viaduct.

Walkers will take a return route to the finish line at the new road's landscaped deck near Tong Yin Street.

It will take around one-and-a-half hours to complete the journey.

The chest said it is "deeply grateful for the tremendous support" given by various government bureaus and departments, in particular the Transport and Logistics Bureau and Civil Engineering and Development Department. It added: "Without their assistance, the event will not be possible."

Under the sponsorship of Bank of China (Hong Kong), it will be able to allocate all funds raised to 24 member-agencies to provide family and child welfare services without administrative expenses.

The Cross Bay Link will connect the Tseung Kwan O-Lam Tin Tunnel to Wan Po Road to provide an alternative access route to cope with huge traffic demand in the district.

The link will allow drivers to commute between the southeastern and western parts of Tseung Kwan O or to and from Kowloon East via the tunnel.

Authorities have not announced the opening date for the new link, but it is expected to commence service shortly after the walk.

On January 6, 2019, some 15,000 walkers joined the event held along the Central-Wan Chai Bypass. Later on January 20 the tunnel opened to traffic.

jane.cheung@singtaonewscorp.com