Last July BUZZ reported on the plans for Stage 2 of the Hiram’s Highway widening scheme (HH2), from Marine Cove to Sai Kung town centre. Friends of Sai Kung (FSK) have just made public their many concerns about the development.
We summarise them below:
FSK supports the intention of the Government to improve safety and traffic flow on Hiram’s Highway and wishes to contribute to the design process to ensure the HHS2 project fulfils the requirements of the community and the environment in addition to providing an improved transport system.
Similar to the HHS1 project, FSK objects to proceeding with a project of this magnitude without conducting a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study. The project will impact many aspects of the environment and have a lasting impact which will adversely affect the local community and visitors for many years to come. It is essential that the environmental considerations are thoroughly assessed before the alignment is adopted such that the design can accommodate the findings of the EIA. The production of an EIA will add value to the project by identifying areas of concern and proposing better solutions which can be addressed in the design stage. HyD have a legal and moral obligation to undertake a comprehensive EIA and obtain an Environmental Permit before proceeding.
The alignment through Pak Sha Wan is a major concern which was addressed by FSK and local community speakers at the Public Consultation in 2016. The Short Tunnel option to create a by-pass around Pak Sha Wan and preserve the unique waterfront location of the village including the temple and other local properties and businesses is considered to be a significantly preferable approach for the alignment. Since the Public Consultation in 2016 there has been no explanation from HyD as to why the Short Tunnel bypass option has not been pursued. FSK object to the construction of the highway through Pak Sha Wan and request a detailed analysis of this major strategic decision for the HHS2 alignment.
The dualling of the highway through the centre of Sai Kung is a poor design which takes no account of the requirements of pedestrians, properties, businesses and trees which align this section of the road. FSK objects to the dualling of the existing road from Yau Ma Po Street to Fuk Man Road and proposes that this section is maintained as a single carriageway road. This will preserve the local township environment, provide an enhanced pedestrian experience and serve to introduce natural traffic calming in this high density area. It is proposed that the dual carriageway is merged into a single carriageway before the approach to Yau Ma Po Street and continues as a single carriageway through the centre of Sai Kung to Fuk Man Road roundabout.
Traffic congestion in Sai Kung Town is a major problem for the residents, business owners, visitors and tourists. The new property developments in and around Sai Kung have already significantly increased the amount of traffic in the town and FSK objects to the provision of a new major road without due consideration of the associated traffic management issues within Sai Kung. The design and construction of the road should be co-ordinated with a comprehensive review of the traffic management problems in Sai Kung Town and specifically address increased in and out of town parking, development of the one way system and increased pedestrianisation.
The more detailed submission can be downloaded here 20.2.2020 FSK Objection to PWP Item No 6806TH Final 20022020
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