West Island Line
The West Island Line was a planned extension that was put into construction, and is planned to open at the end of 2014. By looking at this extension, one can see how a previously planned line turns out, and what improvements can be made. The West Island Line is not a line in itself, but an extension of the Island Line westward. From Sheung Wan, there are three stations: Sai Ying Pun, HKU (short for Hong Kong University), and Kennedy Town. Construction of this three-kilometer extension began on 10 August 2009, with an estimated cost of HK$15.4 billion.
The extension will provide a fast and convenient connection from the Western District to Central District, the rest of Hong Kong Island, and across the harbor. The extension will relieve traffic congestion in the Western District, which is full of narrow streets, meaning traffic congestion is severe. This extension will reduce travel time significantly, and will only take eight minutes to get from Kennedy Town to Sheung Wan, and fourteen minutes to Tsim Sha Tsui. The development of the Western District has long been hindered by poor transport access. It is one of the few remaining urban areas in Hong Kong not served by rail. The West Island Line Extension will help develop this area, increase the value of properties, and create new employment opportunities. Another benefit of this extension is that it will lead to improvements in air quality, and reduce pollution.
The extension will provide a fast and convenient connection from the Western District to Central District, the rest of Hong Kong Island, and across the harbor. The extension will relieve traffic congestion in the Western District, which is full of narrow streets, meaning traffic congestion is severe. This extension will reduce travel time significantly, and will only take eight minutes to get from Kennedy Town to Sheung Wan, and fourteen minutes to Tsim Sha Tsui. The development of the Western District has long been hindered by poor transport access. It is one of the few remaining urban areas in Hong Kong not served by rail. The West Island Line Extension will help develop this area, increase the value of properties, and create new employment opportunities. Another benefit of this extension is that it will lead to improvements in air quality, and reduce pollution.