Govt plans to expand bus interchange at Tate's Cairn Tunnel Sha Tin entrance

The government plans to expand the bus interchange at the Sha Tin entrance of Tate's Cairn Tunnel and add covered walkways to ease traffic congestion caused by buses waiting to enter during peak hours, according to a document submitted to the Sha Tin District Council.

The Transport Department and Highways Department aim to tender the project in the second quarter and start construction within the year.

The interchange currently allows only four franchised buses per direction at a time due to space limits. The expansion would increase capacity to seven buses per direction, build covered pedestrian walkways 2 to 3.5 meters wide, remove existing bus shelter canopies on both sides of the former toll plaza, and carry out ancillary works including road, drainage, utilities, lighting, landscaping and greening.

Since the tunnel implemented the "HKeToll" system in November 2023, the Highways Department has been removing toll booths and related facilities to free up land for the expansion. Preliminary design and feasibility assessments have been completed, with detailed design underway and stakeholder consultation ongoing.

During construction, some traffic lanes will be temporarily closed in phases, and bus routes using the interchange will be temporarily relocated. The Highways Department will consult stakeholders on temporary traffic arrangements, and the Transport Department will announce bus stop relocations and require operators to post notices.