Hong Kong authorities have announced plans to accelerate key infrastructure projects within the Northern Metropolis, a major development initiative aimed at creating a new economic and residential hub near the Shenzhen border. The government intends to bring forward the completion of the San Tin section of the Northern Metropolis Highway to 2034 and aims to complete the Tsing Lung Bridge by 2033, two years earlier than previously scheduled.
The Northern Metropolis spans approximately 30,000 hectares and is central to the government’s strategy to spur economic growth and provide new housing. The highway, running east to west, will form the primary transportation backbone connecting innovation, technology, and residential areas, including major developments such as Kwu Tung North, Ngau Tam Mei, and the San Tin Technopole.
According to government sources, the entire Northern Metropolis Highway will extend around 24 kilometers, with the San Tin segment covering nine kilometers. This section will include a tunnel portion, which recent modifications have shortened from 5 kilometers to 2.5 kilometers. Construction acceleration measures, such as slope stabilization techniques and adherence to national and international design standards, are expected to contribute to the earlier completion date for this critical infrastructure.
The government also highlighted the rapid progress made at Hung Shui Kiu University Town, one of three planned university towns within the region. Land allocation for new campuses is set to begin within months, enabling institutions to open by the 2027–28 academic year as part of broader efforts to enhance connectivity and support educational development within the area.
However, some transport experts and lawmakers have expressed concerns that transportation infrastructure may still lag behind the pace of urban development. They warned that early residents and workers could face connectivity challenges if key transport links are not operational in time. Suggestions have been made to introduce express bus routes and expedite the construction of the Central Rail Link to ensure adequate access to and from the Northern Metropolis.
The government’s push to advance these projects reflects an intensified focus on integrating infrastructure development with urban planning and economic strategy. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, in his recent policy address, emphasized the importance of connectivity throughout the Northern Metropolis to maximize its potential as a new growth engine for Hong Kong.