Hong Kong is fast-tracking Northern Metropolis links. Will they be ready in time?

Hong Kong is accelerating the development of its Northern Metropolis, a planned urban area near Shenzhen, by fast-tracking key infrastructure projects. The San Tin highway section of the Northern Metropolis Highway is set to be completed in 2034, while the Tsing Lung Bridge at the southern end of Route 11 is targeted for a 2033 opening. However, experts warn that these early projects may be left without adequate transport connections once completed.

Infrastructure officials are pushing ahead with the Tsing Lung Bridge project, with authorities expecting completion in 2033. The acceleration of the San Tin highway section will mainly be achieved through slope stabilization techniques. The Northern Metropolis Highway will serve as the main road spine, integrating various innovation, technology, and residential hubs.

The government aims to have the first university town, Hung Shui Kiu, begin allocating land within months, with the first institutions setting up campuses by the 2027-28 academic year. However, former lawmaker Michael Tien has cautioned that people may need to rely on buses or private cars to reach these areas initially. He urges the government to expedite the implementation of the Central Rail Link, a 17km-long rail line connecting Kam Tin, Yuen Long, and Kowloon Tong.

Lawmaker Mark Chong also emphasizes the need for immediate interim transport solutions to support the early arrivals in the Northern Metropolis. He suggests high-frequency point-to-point express buses and dedicated bus lanes along existing roads to ensure reliable travel times. Chong emphasizes that leaving these pioneers to fend for themselves is unacceptable and advocates for a phased opening strategy, prioritizing critical sections of the highway as soon as they are completed.