Damage Forces Ventilation Switch-off At New Bypass

Part of the much-vaunted air purification system for the new Central-Wan Chai Bypass has been switched off for weeks because it is damaged, the government revealed on Tuesday.

The bypass, which opened on January 20, boasts the first air-cleaning tunnel system in the territory.

But seven out of 15 fans in one of the three ventilation buildings for the tunnel section of the road are damaged.

The Highways Department said some of the blades were broken and it is believed that bolts for the structure had not been fitted properly.

Officials said out of safety considerations, the part of the ventilation system affected was turned off in February. It is expected to be switched back on by the end of this month following repairs.

The department stressed that there is still air ventilation inside the tunnel, with the rest of the system still operating normally.

The tunnel accounts for 3.7 kilometres of the 4.5-kilometre road that connects the Rumsey Street Flyover in Sheung Wan to the Island Eastern Corridor in North Point.

Just before the bypass opened, concerns were expressed about water seepage from the ceiling of the tunnel roof. But officials insisted this was normal and said a drainage system is in place.