Government Authorizes Northern Link Spur Line to Enhance Hong Kong-Shenzhen Connectivity and Support Northern Metropolis Development

Railway scheme for Hong Kong Section of Northern Link Spur Line authorised

In accordance with the Railways Ordinance (Cap. 519), the Government published a notice in the Gazette today (September 18) on the authorisation of the railway scheme for the Hong Kong Section of the Northern Link (NOL) Spur Line by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics.

The NOL Project (comprising the NOL Main Line and Spur Line) is an important transport infrastructure driving the development of the Northern Metropolis and facilitating Hong Kong's better integration into national development, aligning with the National 15th Five-Year Plan Outline that calls for accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis and promoting the co-ordinated development of rail transport. The NOL Spur Line comprises an underground railway of about 6 kilometres in length starting from San Tin Station on the Main Line, comprising the Hong Kong section of about 5km in length and the Shenzhen section of about 1km in length. The NOL Spur Line will establish three new railway stations, with two new stations at Chau Tau of the San Tin Technopole and the Loop for the Hong Kong section, as well as one new station at the new Huanggang Port for the Shenzhen section.

As the cross-boundary bifurcation of the NOL Project, apart from serving the San Tin Technopole and the Loop, the NOL Spur Line will also connect to the new Huanggang Port, linking the metro networks of Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and facilitating the flow of people between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Offering both local commuting functions within Hong Kong and cross-boundary railway services, the NOL Spur Line will promote the "hard connectivity" of infrastructure in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

No objection to the railway scheme for the Hong Kong Section of the Northern Link Spur Line was received during the gazettal period, which fully reflects the community's continued support for the project. Following the authorisation of the railway scheme, the construction works for the Hong Kong Section of the NOL Spur Line will commence as soon as practicable, with the aim of commissioning the NOL Spur Line together with the NOL Main Line by 2034 or earlier, upon which the travelling time between San Tin and the new Huanggang Port is estimated to be only about 11 minutes.

Source: AI-found images

Proposed works of marina development at Aberdeen South Typhoon Shelter and expansion area of Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter gazetted

The Government proposes to permit works of marina development to be carried out within an area of about 11 hectares of foreshore and sea-bed within Aberdeen South Typhoon Shelter and the expansion area of the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter. The extent of the area of foreshore and sea-bed affected is described in a notice gazetted today (September 18).

The proposed works include clearance of existing structures, construction of piles, installation of floating pontoons, construction of the associated pedestrian connections to the land area within the marina and the proposed pedestrian walkway within the expansion area of Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, modification of existing landing steps, seawall and breakwater, and construction of a drainage outfall.

The notice and its related plan are posted near the site. The plan is also available for inspection at:

* Survey and Mapping Office of the Lands Department (6/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong) (where copies can be purchased on order);

* Southern Home Affairs Enquiry Centre of the Southern District Office (G/F, Ocean Court, 3 Aberdeen Praya Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong); and

* Lands Department's website (www.landsd.gov.hk) under Government Notices.

Enquiries regarding the proposed works can be addressed to Special Duties (Works) Division, the Civil Engineering and Development Department as stated in the notice.

Any person who considers that he has an interest, right or easement in or over the foreshore and sea-bed involved may submit a written objection to the Director of Lands, 20/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong, within two months from the gazette date, i.e. on or before November 18. The objector shall describe in the notice of objection his interest, right or easement, and the manner in which he will be allegedly affected.

Source: AI-found images