The Fanling Bypass (Eastern Section) was officially opened on Sunday morning, launching the first large-scale transport infrastructure project in Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis.

The dual two-lane carriageway, which is about 4 kilometers long, was opened to motorists at 8 am, linking the North District of the New Territories with the city's urban areas.

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Motorists can now travel between Fanling Lung Yeuk Tau, Luen Wo Hui, and Fanling Highway via the new route without passing through the existing roads in the town centers of Sheung Shui and Fanling, saving around 10 minutes of travel time during peak hours.

At a commissioning ceremony on Saturday, Bernadette Linn Hon-ho, secretary for development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, said that the opening of the bypass is only the beginning, as the HKSAR government will continue to improve the industrial layout, transport network, and living facilities in the Northern Metropolis.

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She stressed that the development of the Northern Metropolis will be aligned with the national 15th Five-Year Plan, highlighting the strategic importance of the Northern Metropolis and creating a better living environment for Hong Kong residents.

The Fanling Bypass (Eastern Section), which includes at-grade roads, underpasses, and viaducts, was constructed in phases starting in February 2020. 

With Xinhua inputs