Retrofitting of noise barriers on selected road sections are being carried out according to schedule and available resources, Highways Department Chief Engineer Chow Chun-wah says. Work on 18 sections will start in the coming two years.

Since the introduction of policy in 2000 to address traffic noise from existing roads, 36 road sections have been identified and preliminary investigations have shown that retrofitting works are technically feasible.

Muffling noise: Highways Department Chief Engineer Chow Chun-wah says noise barriers will be erected on Kwun Tong Bypass near Laguna Park, benefiting about 1,000 dwellings.

Two sections completed

Mr Chow told news.gov.hk that of these 36 road sections, noise barriers along two sections of Fanling Highway were erected in February. Retrofitting works on Cheung Pei Shan Road are underway for completion in early 2008.

He said investigation and preliminary designs for 18 road sections earmarked with funds for retrofitting works have started. The department aimed to start construction in 2007-08 and complete it in 2009-12.

The road sections are:

* Tseung Kwan O Road near Hing Tin Estate and near Tsui Ping (South) Estate;

* Tsing Tsuen Bridge Tsuen Wan and Tsing Yi Approaches;

* Yuen Shin Road near Kwong Fuk Estate;

* Kwun Tong Bypass;

* Sha Tin Road;

* Tai Chung Kiu Road;

* Che Kung Miu Road;

* Hung Mui Kuk Road/Che Kung Miu Road;

* Tin Sam Street;

* Tuen Mun Road Tsuen Wan, Sam Shing Hui, Tsing Lung Tau, Castle Peak Bay, Anglers' Beach, Sham Tseng and Yau Kom Tau sections; and

*  Ma On Shan Road.

About $1.1 billion has been set aside for retrofitting noise barriers on these road sections. Residents nearby will be consulted on the design of the noise barriers.

Functional, aesthetic

Mr Chow pointed out noise barriers mitigate traffic noise but also have a visual impact. Therefore, their designs have to be both functional and good looking.

"After considering the site conditions, we have found greening measures can be adopted for part of the noise barriers along Tseung Kwan O Road near Tsui Ping (South) Estate and Tsing Tsuen Bridge Tsuen Wan Approach. However, given the limited space on Kwun Tong Bypass, only transparent noise barriers can be retrofitted," he added.

Design options for the remaining 15 road sections are being worked out.

Two noise barriers measuring four metres high and 210/260 metres long, and one cantilevered noise barrier measuring six metres high and 480 metres long will be erected on Kwun Tong Bypass near Laguna Park.

Works will start in 2008 for completion in 2010, costing about $40 million. The noise barrier retrofitting will benefit about 1,000 dwellings in Laguna City.