The Highways Department (HyD) held its 40th anniversary celebration ceremony today, highlighting four decades of contributions to Hong Kong’s transport infrastructure and regional connectivity. 

Financial Secretary Paul Chan, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan and Director of Highways Tony Yau officiated at the event.

Over 300 distinguished guests attended, including representatives from the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Executive Council members, over 30 Legislative Council members, heads of bureaus and departments, and construction industry leaders.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Chan commended the HyD for its pivotal role in the city’s growth. He noted that through the joint efforts of the HyD and other government departments, Hong Kong has established an extensive road and railway network. This infrastructure spans the territory and connects directly with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, facilitating public mobility, supporting economic development and promoting regional integration.

Mr Chan also praised department staff for remaining steadfast at their posts to monitor roads, bridges, tunnels and street lighting, ensuring a smooth and reliable transport system.

The Government will increase investment in public works over the coming years, particularly by accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis. This infrastructure-led strategy aims to create development capacity, strengthen Hong Kong’s long-term growth and open up broader opportunities for the construction industry.

He remarked that technology empowerment is essential to enhance the quality and efficiency of infrastructure, noting it will continuously elevate design, construction and maintenance standards.

Mr Chan expressed hope that the HyD and other works departments would actively explore high-quality Mainland standards and technologies to boost project quality. This approach will enable Hong Kong to leverage its role as a “super connector” and “super value adder” by aligning national standards with international standards and rules.

Furthermore, he encouraged the department to maintain its pioneering spirit and collaborate with all sectors of the community to build a more liveable, efficient and convenient city for the public.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Chan described roads and railways as vital arteries connecting a city, praising the HyD team for its four decades of quiet contribution to improving the public’s daily lives. 

She pointed out that Hong Kong's road network has expanded significantly from about 1,323 km when the department was established in 1986 to more than 2,200 km today, marking a 70% increase.

“Looking back at the many milestones the HyD has achieved, from the early Island Eastern Corridor, to the Tsing Ma Bridge, the Tung Chung Line, the Airport Express and Stonecutters Bridge, and more recently completed East Rail Line Cross-Harbour Extension and Central Kowloon Route (Yau Ma Tei Section), as well as the formulation of the Hong Kong Railway Standards, all of these reflect the professional dedication of generations of HyD colleagues and industry partners in their pursuit of excellence.”

She expressed hope that HyD colleagues would adopt a dual-innovation mindset covering policy and technology, enabling the department to play a more active role in integrating into the national development strategy.

“Through the advancement of strategic projects including the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link, the Northern Link, Tsing Lung Bridge and the Northern Metropolis Highway, the Government will build a broad network of roads and railways under the 'Eight Vertical and Eight Horizontal' layout, fully unlocking Hong Kong's future development potential, deepening connectivity with the Greater Bay Area, and leveraging today's planning to achieve Hong Kong's long-term development.”

Mr Yau noted that 40 years ago today, the Highways Office was upgraded to the HyD, reflecting the Government's determination to advance transport infrastructure to support Hong Kong's development.

He stated that the department is fully prepared to take forward the major road and railway infrastructure projects for the Northern Metropolis. These include the Northern Metropolis Highway, Route 11, the Tsing Lung Bridge, the Northern Link and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link, which will unlock new growth opportunities for the city.

At the same time, the department will continue road maintenance and district works to ensure road safety.

To celebrate the milestone, the HyD is holding a roving exhibition at various locations in Hong Kong from late May to mid-July.

The exhibition reviews the department's achievements and future blueprints in expanding the road network, maintaining infrastructure and advancing railway development. It also features interactive games and displays historical artifacts, including vintage street name plates and thematic manhole covers.