Research cost for Northern Metropolis Highway reduced to HK$700m

The Highways Department announced on Tuesday that the research cost for the Northern Metropolis Highway has been reduced to HK$700 million, and the preliminary planning time has been shortened to 25 months.

This announcement comes ahead of the proposal to fund the study of the 23-kilometer highway, which is scheduled to be submitted to the Legislative Council next month.

The department explained that the cost reduction, which represents a 40 percent decrease from the initial estimate of over HK$1.1 billion, was achieved by streamlining procedures, optimizing routes, and utilizing innovative technologies among other factors.

Additionally, the government will prioritize the development of the San Tin section of the highway, which extends approximately 7 kilometers.

The planning time has also been reduced from 38 months to 25 months.

The Highways Department further stated that pending funding approval, the main construction of the San Tin section is expected to commence in 2029 and is anticipated to open to traffic in phases by 2036 or earlier.