An immersed tube tunnel is not feasible for the section of the Central-Wan Chai Bypass within the Central Reclamation Phase III area, the Housing, Planning & Lands Bureau says.

The bureau engaged a consultant to conduct a technical assessment on the immersed tube tunnel option. It said the immersed tunnel is not practically feasible. An independent consultant has been engaged to review the report.

The bureau reiterated the findings of the comprehensive review of Central Reclamation Phase III completed last year has already demonstrated that the immersed tube tunnel option is not a reasonable alternative.

The same review concluded that CRIII meets the Court of Final Appeal's "overriding public need test" and the extent of reclamation is the minimum required for the construction of essential transport infrastructure and the reprovisioning of facilities like pump houses, public piers and landing steps along the waterfront.