***********************************
Following is a question by the Hon Leung Kwok-hung and a reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, in the Legislative Council today (February 22):
Question:
I have received complaints from quite a number of residents in Chai Wan district, pointing out that due to the Government's delay in retrofitting noise barriers at the road section near Neptune Terrace along Chai Wan Road, the residents nearby have been subjected to noise nuisance for many years. Regarding noise barrier retrofitting works, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the number of noise barrier retrofitting works carried out in Hong Kong by the Government last year; where and when such works were carried out; and whether it has set any order of priority for such works; if not, of the reasons for that;
(b) when the Government will retrofit noise barriers at the road section near the densely populated Neptune Terrace along Chai Wan Road where the noise level is as high as 75 decibels, and what mitigation measures are available at present to resolve the noise problem in the district immediately; and
(c) of the number of noise barrier retrofitting works to be carried out in Hong Kong by the Government in the next five years; and where and when such works will be carried out?
Reply:
Mr President,
To mitigate the noise impact of existing roads on neighbouring residents, it is the Government's policy to consider the implementation of direct engineering solutions, where practicable, by way of retrofitting of barriers and enclosures, or resurfacing with low noise material on existing roads with a traffic noise level exceeding the limit of 70 dB(A). Since 2001, eight road sections have been retrofitted with barriers or enclosures, and 53 road sections have been resurfaced with low noise surfacing material. My reply to the three parts of the question is as follows:
(a) In the light of the above policy, retrofitting of noise barriers was carried out on eight road sections in Hong Kong by the Government last year. The eight road sections include Tuen Mun Road at Tsuen Wan, Yau Kom Tau, Anglers' Beach, Sham Tseng, Tsing Lung Tau, and Castle Bay sections, and Fanling Highway at Po Shek Wo Road to MTR Fanling Station and MTR Fanling Station to Wo Hing Road sections. All works are expected to be completed by phases by 2014.
The Government will, as a general principle, accord priority to existing roads with the highest noise exposure and the largest numbers of residents affected. Moreover, when modification or extension works are carried out on individual road sections, we will take opportunity to retrofit noise barriers where practicable.
(b) Regarding the noise barrier retrofit works of the section of Chai Wan Road near Neptune Terrace, through a feasibility study, the consultant engaged by the Highways Department (HyD) proposed semi-enclosure and cantilevered noise barriers, and relocating the bus stop nearby for the retrofitting of noise barriers. To update residents of Eastern District on the conceptual design and the related works of the noise barriers, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and the HyD have briefed the Eastern District Council on several occasions since December 2010. The latest update was provided on February 2 this year. The noise barrier retrofit works of the section of Chai Wan Road will follow the established mechanism of the Public Works Programme of the Government and the priority. The EPD and HyD will endeavour to follow up on the works according to the procedures of the Public Works Programme.
The HyD has considered the option of resurfacing the section of Chai Wan Road near Neptune Terrace with low noise material to mitigate noise impacts. However, given the relatively steep gradient of the road with frequent bus traffic, low noise surfacing material will wear easily and result in even more noise nuisance arising from the road. Low noise surfacing is therefore not a suitable option for this road section.
(c) In the next five years, the Government will complete the noise barrier retrofit works which are underway on six sections of Tuen Mun Road and two sections of Fanling Highway. We are also preparing to commence the new noise barrier retrofit works on Tai Po Tai Wo Road near Po Nga Court. Moreover, we will continue to start new noise barrier retrofit works in line with the progress of the Public Works Programme.
Ends/Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Issued at HKT 12:43
NNNN
