The Government has engaged City University to look at cutting noise from road joints.

Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau today told lawmakers tests on low-noise joints will start in mid-2008 and will end in the middle of next year.

He said the Environment Bureau is exploring the feasibility of implementing traffic management schemes at road sections to reduce traffic noise.

If potentially suitable road sections are identified the bureau will conduct detailed studies and consult residents, affected people and organisations, and District Councillors to help decide on whether or how to implement the schemes. He said successful implementation depends on the availability of alternative routes, adding it is not easy to identify suitable road sections.

Road resurfacing

Of the 72 road sections identified for resurfacing with low-noise materials, 36 have been resurfaced and works for 12 more are being arranged. The works are expected to be completed by the end of 2010.

Technical feasibility studies on another 14 road sections are being conducted and are expected to be completed by 2009. The work schedules of the remaining 10 road sections have yet to be finalised due to the need to tie in with other road, railway and drainage projects.

In mid-2006 the Government decided to extend the trial scheme of resurfacing with low-noise materials by including 26 additional local road sections into the new phase of the scheme.

Technical feasibility studies started in September and are expected to be completed by year's-end. If deemed feasible the Government will arrange for the resurfacing of these road sections as soon as possible, subject to the availability of resources.