Construction of an area traffic control system for Tuen Mun and Yuen Long will be completed in October 2008, the Transport Department says, awarding a $70 million contract to Siemens and Siemens PLC Joint Venture.

The system co-ordinates traffic signal timings to minimise vehicle stoppage and delay at road junctions, cut journey times and improve road efficiency.

The contract comprises construction costs of $52 million and five-year maintenance costs of $18 million. It includes design, supply and implementation of the computerised system, which comprises a central computer system covering 249 on-site traffic signal controllers, associated detectors and peripheral equipment, as well as maintenance services for five years. Delcan Arup Joint Venture will supervise the works.

The department said the rapid housing and new town developments in Tuen Mun and Yuen Long in recent years have led to a significant rise in traffic flow in both the regional and local road networks.

The present signal system is isolated and each signalised junction works on its own. The signal timing can only be adjusted on site, it said, adding the new system can help more efficient traffic management and monitoring of the road networks.