LOCAL
Sai Sha Road
Hong Kong’s back garden gets a face lift Charmaine Ng looks at Sai Kung’s current and upcoming road developments Dubbed the back garden of Hong Kong, Sai Kung is popular for its rural villages, hiking trails, beaches, islands and geological formations. In the wake of Covid-19 restrictions, Hongkongers have flocked to this isolated part of the city to enjoy the fresh air and hidden beaches. With only two main access roads to the town, weekend traffic has become a serious problem over the years, causing many accidents and delays. In order to accommodate the influx of visitors Sai Kung has begun a large number of construction works. Including the widening of Hiram’s Highway and Sai Sha Road. Here’s an update on the current developments and road works taking place in the back garden of Hong Kong.
14 | hongkongliving.com
Hiram’s Highway As the only principal road linking Sai Kung to Kowloon East and Tseung Kwan O, the ongoing improvement works at Hiram’s Highway is one of the most prominent projects in the area. The existing highway was designed based on old standards. As a result, the narrow carriageway, which retains sharp bends, insufficient pedestrian crossing facilities and insufficient laybys (an area at the side of a road where vehicles may pull off the road and stop), have caused adverse traffic impact throughout the years. Split into two stages of development to turn the current highway into a dual two-lane carriageway, the public project proposed by the Highways Department is currently wrapping up its first stage.
Stage 1 Construction work at Hiram’s Highway began in March 2016 with a focus on two sections: between Clear Water Bay Road and Pak Wai; and the existing Ho Chung Road and Luk Mei Tsuen Road. The proposed improvement works will relieve the traffic congestion near Marina Cove, enhance the safety of the road section and improve local access to Ho Chung and Luk Mei Tsuen.
Stage 2 As the first stage of improvement works finalises, the second stage is under review with preliminary design and investigation works in progress.
