Hong Kong Rethinks Harbour Crossings: A Fourth Tunnel on the Horizon?
Hong Kong authorities are revisiting plans to alleviate cross-harbour traffic congestion, with a fourth tunnel emerging as a potential solution. This comes after the shelving of the ambitious Kau Yi Chau reclamation project, previously seen as a key component of infrastructure improvements.
The Shift from Reclamation to Alternative Routes
The Transport Department, in a recently released transport strategy blueprint, acknowledged the anticipated increase in cross-harbour traffic. Assistant Commissioner for Transport Leung Sai-ho indicated a need for flexibility, stating the government is now exploring alternative routes for a new tunnel, as the timeline for the Kau Yi Chau project remains uncertain.
Kau Yi Chau: A Project on Hold
The HK$580 billion (US$74.6 billion) Kau Yi Chau reclamation project, also known as Lantau Tomorrow Vision, was place on hold in September of last year. The decision prioritized the Northern Metropolis megaproject, a plan to develop the area bordering mainland China into a technology and housing hub. The original plan envisioned three artificial islands providing space for up to 210,000 homes and a third business district spanning 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres).
Lantau Island Access and Transportation
Improved cross-harbour connectivity is crucial for Lantau Island, a major transportation hub. The island currently offers access to the Hong Kong International Airport via the Airport Express, which takes 24 minutes to reach Central Hong Kong. Ferry services connect to Mui Wo in 45 minutes, and a comprehensive network of island buses serves various attractions. Though, increased accessibility is seen as vital for continued development.
Driving on Lantau: A Limited Access Scheme
Currently, access to certain roads on Lantau Island is restricted and requires a permit. The “Driving on Lantau Island” Scheme allows private car owners to apply for a Lantau Closed Road Permit (LCRP) to visit areas like Ngong Ping, Tai O, Cheung Sha, and Mui Wo from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 8 am and 7 pm. The scheme operates on a quota system, with a daily limit of 50 cars allocated through a ballot and first-come, first-served basis. The fee for an LCRP is HK$75.
The Importance of Cross-Harbour Tunnels
Hong Kong relies heavily on its network of cross-harbour tunnels to manage traffic flow. A fourth tunnel is viewed by some lawmakers as essential to address persistent congestion and support the city’s ongoing development. The Transport Department is evaluating various engineering options to maximize the capacity of these vital crossings.
FAQ
- What is the Lantau Closed Road Permit (LCRP)? The LCRP is required to drive on closed roads on Lantau Island for leisure and recreational purposes.
- How much does an LCRP cost? The fee for an LCRP is HK$75.
- What happened to the Kau Yi Chau reclamation project? The project was shelved in September 2025 to prioritize the Northern Metropolis megaproject.
- Is there a quota for driving on Lantau Island? Yes, the “Driving on Lantau Island” Scheme has a daily quota of 50 private cars.
Pro Tip: If you plan to drive on Lantau Island, apply for the LCRP well in advance, as the quota is limited and applications are processed through a ballot system.
Explore more about Hong Kong’s transportation options here. Share your thoughts on the proposed fourth cross-harbour tunnel in the comments below!
