CHINA: Hong Kong’s government and MTR Corp signed an agreement on July 8 covering finance and construction of two initial sections of the Northern Link project, and setting an objective to complete both the main and spur lines of the project by 2034.
The Part 1 agreement covers two single-station sections of the future 10·7 km Northern Link main line that connects with Hong Kong’s existing rail network: from Kam Sheung Road on the Tuen Ma Line north to Au Tau, and from Kwu Tung on the East Rail Lok Ma Chau branch southwest to San Tin. Engineering design is at an advanced stage, with construction to proceed in concert with nearby property developments which are contributing to the cost of new railway.
Part 2 of the Northern Link is more complex, comprising completion of the main line connection from Au Tau to San Tin, including a depot and intermediate station at Ngau Tam Mei, along with the 4·2 km Spur Line north from San Tin via Chau Tau and The Loop to Huanggang Port on Shenzhen Metro Line 7. However, the government and MTR Corp have agreed to progress the Main and Spur line works together, to optimise engineering design and construction efficiencies, with the objective that both would open simultaneously not later than 2034.
