Speaking at the breakthrough ceremony today, Mr Lo said the 15km strategic route comprises the Nam Wan, Eagle's Nest and Sha Tin Height Tunnels, Stonecutters Bridge, viaducts and interchanges.

Targetted for completion by 2008, Route 8 will link up busy container ports and the airport with the North East New Territories. It will also connect the Lantau Link to the West Kowloon Highway and provide much needed relief for other road networks and tunnels.

Good waste management

Nearly all 550,000 cubic metres of tunnel spoil will be reused in the Penny's Bay Reclamation Project or processed into aggregates at a local quarry.

Mr Lo said: "This is no doubt the result of good planning work and site practices which will set an example for the industry on good waste management and sustainable development."

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Other green measures taken to minimise noise and nuisance to road users and the public include:

* a 7.5-metre tall noise barrier, and continuous monitoring to ensure noise and vibration limits are not exceeded during tunnel blasting;

* blast doors for any blasting conducted near roads; and,

* 40 water sprinklers and washing facilities at all exits for vehicles to use before leaving the construction site.