The Fanling Bypass (Eastern Section) will open to the public at 8am tomorrow, following a commissioning ceremony today at which Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn officiated.

The ceremony marked the completion of the first large-scale transport infrastructure project in the Northern Metropolis (NM). The bypass provides a more direct and efficient route for road transport in the city's North District.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Linn said the commissioning of the bypass is an important milestone in the NM's development and demonstrates the Government's commitment to infrastructure-led urban-rural integration in moving it forward.

She added that the project team utilised innovative construction technologies. This included adopting the advanced horizontal bridge rotation method to construct a bridge structure spanning the East Rail Line railway. Moreover, in the construction of a footbridge at Lung Yeuk Tau Interchange, China-made ultra-high strength S960 steel was used in a footbridge project for the first time globally.

Through the NM's development, the country's advanced construction technologies and materials will be promoted to the international stage. Ms Linn said NM construction projects can provide a stage for advanced technologies and materials from around the world, including Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.

With a total length of about 4km, the bypass is a dual two-lane carriageway comprising at-grade roads, underpasses, and viaducts. Starting at Fanling Highway near Kau Lung Hang in Tai Po, it passes through the On Lok Tsuen Industrial Area and the Lung Yeuk Tau Interchange, extends along the Ng Tung River, and connects to Shek Wu San Tsuen and the Fanling North New Development Area.

Motorists will be able to travel between Fanling Lung Yeuk Tau, Luen Wo Hui and Fanling Highway via the new route without passing through the town centres of Sheung Shui and Fanling. This will save about 10 minutes of travel time during peak hours.