Northern Metropolis Highway project gathers speed

Ayra Wang

The investigation for the Northern Metropolis Highway has started, with a targeted completion date of 25 months on the highway's San Tin section and its technical readiness for tendering the main works in 2027, the Highways Department announced.

The proposed 23-kilometer highway will connect Tin Shui Wai to the New Territories North New Town near Ping Che.

The department last night said the investigation will include the optimization of alignment and interchange locations, and carrying out of the Environmental Impact Assessment and gazettal procedures. The scope will also include completing site investigations, other impact assessments and the preliminary design of the San Tin Section in parallel, with a view to expediting the implementation of the project.

The department also signed an investigation consultancy agreement with the AECOM Asia Company Limited and AtkinsRealis Asia Limited Joint Venture for the highway.

Meanwhile, the SAR government is determined to foster regional connectivity in the Greater Bay Area despite proposing to impose a HK$200 border construction fee on private vehicles leaving the city via land crossings, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said.

Chan stressed that the proposal aims to generate revenue under the user-pays principle.

Chan moved to ease worries that the fee might impact the Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles scheme or discourage mainland drivers from visiting the city.