The Transport Bureau (DSAT) announced in a statement yesterday that several major infrastructure projects, nine of which are located along roads frequently used by students commuting to and from school, will be carried out this summer.
Secretary for Transport and Public Works Raymond Tam Vai Man noted in the statement that his bureau will strictly control construction schedules and closely monitor weather conditions, aiming for completion before the new school year begins so that normal traffic flow can be restored on time.
Meanwhile, the bureau will strengthen drainage network improvements and routine maintenance in flood prone areas and develop contingency plans to minimise disruption to traffic and the general public, according to the statement.
The statement pointed out that this year’s road works have successfully been integrated in 47 “coordination zones”, of which 20 have either been started or already been completed. Overall progress is in line with expectations, the statement said.
The bureau’s engineering coordination team will adjust construction procedures based on actual conditions to reduce the impact on residents’ daily routines, including enhancing supervision, requiring contractors to deploy additional workers, accelerating construction, and shortening the project duration wherever possible, the statement said, adding that the traffic facilities along the affected roads will also be reviewed and upgraded as part of the work.
In response to flooding caused by severe weather last year, the government’s Roadworks Optimisation Coordination Working Group has taken preventive measures in advance, the statement said, adding that the drainage improvements are being carried out in flood-prone “black spots”, such as the roundabout at Cotai’s Estrada do Istmo, such as implementing temporary diversion and sealing measures in the event of serious flooding, with the aim of balancing travel needs with driving safety.
The statement pointed out that as of last month, through cross departmental coordination, the working team has facilitated over 90 integrated construction projects. In order to reduce the frequency of future road excavations, the team continues to promote the pre-installation of utility lines in land plots awaiting development.
To date, the pre-installation work has been completed on nine plots, which will help reduce the need for repeated excavations in the long term and lessen the impact of roadworks on traffic, the statement added.
This undated handout photo provided by the Transport Bureau (DSAT) yesterday shows the government’s Roadworks Optimisation Coordination Working Group recently holding a meeting to discuss infrastructure projects.
