The Highways Department has awarded a $678-million contract for widening a section of Yuen Long Highway.

The move is to cater to future traffic demand due to population growth in northwest New Territories.

The widening of the section between Tan Kwai Tsuen and the Shap Pat Heung Interchange will also help relieve the increase in cross-boundary traffic.

The contract includes the widening of the 4.5 kilometre section from dual two-lane carriageways to dual three-lane ones.

It will also feature 3.65-metre wide hard shoulders as well as noise barriers and landscaping works.

Works will start this month for completion in October, 2005.