Central-Wan Chai Bypass inspires call for air purification systems across other high-traffic zones in Hong Kong
- Long-awaited HK$36 billion link set to open, boasting world’s largest air treatment work of its kind at cost of HK$250 million
- Faster journey time also expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 11,000 tonnes annually, ‘equal to the absorption capability of 67 Victoria Parks’
Green groups have urged the Hong Kong government to set up more air purification systems in high-traffic areas, inspired by the world’s largest version for the Central-Wan Chai Bypass, which can remove at least 80 per cent of key pollutants from roadside emissions.
The government announced earlier that the long-awaited HK$36 billion (US$4.6 billion) bypass would open to traffic on January 20 after nearly 10 years of construction plagued by delays and cost overruns.
The 4.5km link, comprising a flyover in Central and a 3.7km tunnel, is expected to ease chronic congestion between North Point and Central, especially on Gloucester Road, Harcourt Road and Connaught Road Central.
The bypass is expected to cut travelling time between Central and the Island Eastern Corridor from about half an hour to five minutes, and divert traffic from other parts of the city. Authorities said a faster journey could also mean less carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles.
But the greenest feature is an air purification system in the tunnel – the first in Hong Kong and the largest of its kind in the world in terms of air volume handled – which can remove at least 80 per cent of harmful suspended particulates and nitrogen dioxide, two key roadside pollutants.
“Every hour it can handle 5.4 million cubic metres of vehicle exhaust,” Highways Department project manager Kelvin Lo said.
