West Island line and South Island line: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 02:42, 14 October 2005

Revision as of 02:44, 14 October 2005

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The [[MTR Corporation Limited]] (MTRC) submitted its first proposal for the West Island line and South Island line in [[May]] of [[2002]]. The new lines were intended to be included in a promotion to promote tourism in [[Aberdeen]]. The West Island line is an extension of the '''<font color=blue>[[Island Line]]</font>'''. Construction of the new West Island line was divided into two phases.

Phase one would begin at the already existing [[Sheung Wan (MTR)|Sheung Wan]] station. A further two stations, [[Sai Ying Pun (MTR)|Sai Ying Pun]] and [[Shek Tong Tsui (MTR)|Shek Tong Tsui]] would be added to extend the length of the Island Line. BelcherShek Tong Tsui will also serve as an interchange for the South Island Line. Phase two would include an extension to [[Kennedy Town (MTR)|Kennedy Town]]. The construction of phase two, which will include a [[depot]] near [[Kennedy Town (MTR)|Kennedy Town]] station, is subject to the land availability of the [[land reclamation|western reclamation]].

The South Island Line is a semi-circular line with nine stations. The South Island line is intended to serve the southern end of Hong Kong Island towards Aberdeen. It interchanges with the Island line at [[BelcherShek Tong Tsui (MTR)|BelcherShek Tong Tsui]] and at [[Wan Chai (MTR)|Wan Chai]]. From BelcherShek Tong Tsui to Wan Chai, the other stations on the line are [[Cyberport (MTR)|Cyberport]], [[Wah Fu (MTR)|Wah Fu]], [[South Horizons (MTR)|South Horizons]], [[Lei Tong (MTR)|Lei Tung]], [[Wong Chuk Hang (MTR)|Wong Chuk Hang]], [[Ocean Park (MTR)|Ocean Park]], and [[Happy Valley (MTR)|Happy Valley]].

On [[21 January]] [[2003]], the [[Executive Council of Hong Kong]] gave MTRC permission to proceed with further planning on Phase 1 of West Island Line, and made modifications on the South Island Line project to achieve a more cost-effective option and the parallel development of [[List of roads and streets in Hong Kong#Routes|Route 4]]. However, the first proposal has some major drawbacks. Specifically, construction of West Island Line as heavy railway type tunnels and stations would not include [[Kennedy Town (MTR)|Kennedy Town]] if there is no Western reclamation. There would also be great environmental impact and traffic management challenge if West Island Line goes under Des Vouex Road West. There would not be an Aberdeen station for serving the Aberdeen area. Transfer station at [[Wan Chai (MTR)|Wan Chai]] does not cater well for the needs of cross-harbour trips (they must change to '''<font color=blue>[[Island Line]]</font>''' heading [[Admiralty (MTR)|Admiralty]] and another change to '''<font color=red>[[Tsuen Wan Line]]</font>''' for cross-harbour trains).