The proposed construction works for the Central-Wan Chai Bypass and Island Eastern Corridor Link have been gazetted, providing a 4.5km trunk road to alleviate traffic congestion on Gloucester, Harcourt and Connaught Roads.

The Transport & Housing Bureau today said the proposed works will provide a trunk road along the north shore of Hong Kong Island and connect the Rumsey Street Flyover in Central with the Island Eastern Corridor in North Point.

The works include:

* constructing a dual three-lane road tunnel between Central and the Island Eastern Corridor, and slip roads;

* modification of a bus terminus at the junction of Man Yiu Street and Man Po Street;

* realignment of a section of Man Po Street and Man Kwong Street westbound; and,

* modification of a section of the Island Eastern Corridor.

Construction will start in late 2008 or early 2009 for completion by 2016.