The MTR Corporation is undertaking the preliminary design of the 7km South Island Line (East), Secretary for Transport & Housing Eva Cheng says, adding another round of public consultation will be conducted when the railway scheme is gazetted in mid-2009.

Ms Cheng today told lawmakers the line will be a medium capacity railway line between Admiralty and South Horizons with three intermediate stations at Ocean Park, Wong Chuk Hang and Lei Tung Estate.

The corporation has proposed the section between the toll plaza of the Aberdeen Tunnel and Ap Lei Chau should run on a viaduct.

Viaduct design

"We have considered different designs and methods of construction. We have looked at the programme implications of the various options, the benefits and impacts to the district, as well as planning and environmental considerations.

"We are of the view the viaduct design is a practicable option. In the further design stage we will study various mitigation measures, improve the viaduct design and continue with consulting the District Council so the line will complement the further development of the district."

Understanding public concerns about the visual and noise impacts of the viaduct section, the corporation has engaged an independent consultant to conduct an environmental impact assessment and identify appropriate mitigation measures.