The Transport Department today announced the operation arrangements upon the expiry of the Tate's Cairn Tunnel franchise.

The new management company, Pacific Infrastructure Management, will retain most of the existing staff.

The department said the move will ensure smooth operation after the Government takes over the tunnel on July 11.

The company will take up the management, operation and maintenance of the tunnel from that day.

It will act according to the management procedures and standards stipulated in the Road Tunnels (Government) Ordinance.

To facilitate the takeover, traffic in manual-toll lanes will be briefly stopped at midnight on July 11, while traffic in auto-toll lanes will not be affected.

The department will liaise with the existing tunnel franchisee and the new company to ensure a smooth transition.