070223en06006

	news.gov.hk
	From Hong Kong's Information Services Department

February 25, 2007

Highways

Fiber optic solar lighting to go on trial

A new, advanced lighting system which can transport sunlight through fiber optic cables will get a trial run in a subway across Cotton Tree Drive, while footbridges in Sheung Wan and Wan Chai will be renovated with more greenery, the Highways Department says.

In an interview with news.gov.hk, the department's Senior Engineer Chow Wing-kwong pointed out the subway is located near Hong Kong Park and the Peak Tram station. Opened in 1968, it has been in use for nearly 40 years and now requires renovation.

Sheung Wan Elevated Walkway (after renovation)

New initiatives: Highways Department Senior Engineer Chow Wing-kwong says the Sheung Wan Elevated Walkway will be refurbished. A new, advanced lighting system will also get a test run in the subway across Cotton Tree Drive.

Energy-saving device

"A new, advanced lighting system will be put on trial. The system can transmit sunlight collected from light-collecting panels located outdoors, which can track the sun's movement, via fiber optic cables, to light up the subway," Mr Chow said.

"Light-detecting devices will also be installed inside the subway. When there is insufficient sunlight, the energy-efficient electric lighting system will be activated. Daylighting offsets energy use in the electric-lighting system, hence saving energy."

For the subway's wall finishing, a contest may be held jointly with the District Council to identify the best design. Works to improve the subway will commence in September for completion next year, costing $1.1 million.

Better environment

Noting the department has been providing greening and improving the streetscape, Mr Chow said the move aims to give pedestrians a better walking environment.

The department renovated the O'Brien Road footbridge in Wan Chai and the Central elevated walkway in 2005 to enhance their appearance, adding 278 planter boxes. Allamanda and asparagus sprengeri are grown in Wan Chai while Devil's ivy and bougainvillea are planted in Central.

"We will start renovating a number of footbridges in March, including the Sheung Wan elevated walkway, Admiralty footbridge, and footbridges near Great Eagle and Harbour Centres in Wan Chai. Costing about $17 million, the works will be completed next year," Mr Chow said.

The refurbishment involves mainly painting or installing cladding or tiles on ceilings, walls, columns, floors, staircases and railings; updating lighting systems; replacing existing railings with stainless steel ones; and planting. Apart from allamanda, Devil's ivy and asparagus sprengeri, other plant species such as miniature umbrella plant and sweet olive will be grown.

Click here to see the footbridges' existing condition and the way they will look after the renovation works.

To promote greening, Mr Chow said more plants will be placed at footbridges near Steward and Tonnochy Roads and Arsenal Street in Wan Chai this year.