The construction of a major section of a highway linking areas in Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis may directly encroach on wetlands and affect valuable wild species, a preliminary government-commissioned study brief has found.
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The Highways Department’s study brief on the San Tin section of the Northern Metropolis Highway also said fish ponds might need to be cleared, while the project risked encroaching on several sites identified as having “archaeological potential”.
Authorities made the report available on Wednesday. Members of the public have until May 6 to review the document and provide feedback.
The highway is a 23km (14 miles) east-west corridor linking the development nodes in the planned Northern Metropolis near the border with mainland China. It is the city’s biggest single road project.
The Northern Metropolis aims to transform 30,000 hectares of land in the New Territories into an economic powerhouse and a housing hub.
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The preliminary path of the highway connects Tin Shui Wai to the New Territories North New Town near Ping Che.