Route 11 project takes shape with Tsing Lung Bridge set to commission in 2033: Highway Dept

The preliminary work of the construction project of Route 11 (connecting Yuen Long and North Lantau) has been substantially completed, with the Tsing Lung Bridge anticipated to commission in 2033, according to the Director of Highways Tony Yau Kwok-ting.

In an interview with Sing Tao Daily, the sister publication of The Standard, Yau revealed that the project's priority will be the construction of the Tsing Lung Bridge to address the increasing traffic in the Northwest New Territories.

The tender for the bridge is expected to put in place next year, with funding applications to the Legislative Council scheduled in 2027, aiming for completion by 2033.

Due to the project's flexibility as it is separated into phases, Yau stated that the construction for other segments can be handled as needed.

Regarding the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu - Qianhai) project, Yau mentioned that the Department is exploring the inclusion of Mainland’s design standards and construction practices, and the utilisation of Mainland’s advanced machinery, building materials and innovative construction technology, with a view to reducing costs and shortening timelines.

Yau emphasised that the plan to implement Mainland’s standards in the city does not compromise the use of adequate materials. He stated that the Department's primary purpose is to assist Mainland’s construction enterprises in using their familiar methods and working procedures for speeding up the project implementation.

While most of the Mainland’s standards can be applied, Yau noted that some aspects might be adjusted based on the actual conditions in Hong Kong, such as wind load and ground settlement, expressing hope for this infrastructure to be a benchmark for the Greater Bay Area.

Since the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link is an independent railway line, the project can proceed through open tendering. Yau believed introducing Mainland’s standards could facilitate outstanding Mainland’s companies to participate.

He noted that Hong Kong's infrastructure, including road and railway networks, is world-class, ranked among the best public transport cities in the world, and has a high share of public transport.

To maintain the city’s world-class infrastructure standard, Yau mentioned that the city is undertaking various projects amid numerous challenges, looking forward to exchanging insights over innovative technologies with global experts at the International Conference on Roads and Railways.

Spanning 18.1 kilometres, the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link is expected to serve a total daily passenger flow of about 290,000 to 380,000 people. Its investigation and design for Hong Kong Section would create approximately 70 jobs, including 30 labourers and 40 professional or technical staff.