In response to press enquiries on petition by the Objection to Route 10 and Deep Bay Link Alliance (the Alliance") to the Environment, Transport and Works Bureau today (August 1), a government spokesman said: "Route 10 Southern Section (between North Lantau and So Kwun Wat) serves as an alternative strategic road link to Lantau and facilitate access to the Airport and the Hong Kong Disneyland.
"As regards the Deep Bay Link (DBL), it serves to connect the Shenzhen Western Corridor (SWC) with the local highway network. The SWC and DBL would bring about substantial economic benefits to Hong Kong and help to enhance the status of Hong Kong as a business cum trade cum logistics hub in the Pearl River Delta."
"The Route 10 Southern Section was gazetted in 2000 under the Roads (Works, Use and Compensation) Ordinance. Having regard to the public views and the latest circumstances, the Government revised the alignment of the Southern Section which was gazetted on 28 June 2002.
"In order to address public concerns about the proposed works, Highways Department (HyD) will organise a three-day exhibition on the revised Southern Section from August 2 to 4, 2002 at the Tuen Mun Government Offices, and a further exhibition is planned for Tsuen Wan District Offices on August 16 and 17, 2002.
"Any individual who considers that his or her interest will be affected by the project may comment on or lodge his objection against the proposed works during the objection period which is due to expire on August 27, 2002. The proposed works and all objections received will be considered by the Chief Executive in Council," the spokesman said.
Construction for Route 10 Southern Section is scheduled to commence in 2003 for completion in 2008 and SWC/DBL are scheduled to commence in 2003 for completion in 2005.
End/Thursday, August 1, 2002
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