Road work: Chief Secretary Henry Tang (second right) launches the Central-Wan Chai Bypass & Island Eastern Corridor Link project.

The Central-Wan Chai Bypass & Island Eastern Corridor Link project, which will ease traffic congestion along northern Hong Kong Island, has been launched.

At the project groundbreaking ceremony today Chief Secretary Henry Tang said the bypass is the last road section to be built as part of the strategic route along the island's north shore.

Road relief

Upon its commissioning, travelling from North Point to Central will be cut to five minutes by diverting traffic from congested areas like Causeway Bay, Wan Chai and Central.

"The construction will also bring invaluable social benefits to the community. The [bypass] will link the expressway system from island east to the western New Territories to enhance the road network of Hong Kong. The travelling time will be reduced to help enhance the connection and development of different areas in Hong Kong. Also, the roadside air pollution problem arising from traffic congestion will be lessened," he added.

The 4.5km bypass, due for completion in 2017, will be a three-lane two-way trunk road with a 3.7km tunnel. It runs from the Rumsey Street Flyover to the tunnel entrance outside IFC. The project will create more than 6,400 construction jobs.

Environmental considerations

Mr Tang said the Government has conducted extensive research and planning to strike a balance between the need for transport infrastructure and the environmental impact induced by the project. Temporary reclamation to the minimum extent required has been planned to protect the harbour.

"We will return the harbour to the community. Every piece of additional land between Central and North Point will be utilised to develop a world-class waterfront promenade with connecting subways and footbridges to facilitate easy access of people to embrace the harbour," he said.

The latest air-purification system will be set up to clean exhaust air from the tunnel to a higher standard. To reduce traffic noise, barriers and semi-enclosures will be erected along the corridor's North Point section.

Noting the Government is aware people will miss the temporary dog park along the Causeway Bay promenade, Mr Tang said it will liaise with local groups on relocating it nearby.