Macau Peninsula LRT section to begin construction in 2016

Projected design for the proposal where part of the LRT track constructed over the Areia Preta Park

The Transportation Infrastructure Office (GIT) has released more information on the Macau Peninsula Northeastern section of the Light Rapid Transit (LRT). This new information includes some details concerning the planned improvement of the Areia Preta Park, and data regarding the noise generated by the LRT.
The government is in the process of conducting a public consultation with regards to the three proposed routes for the Northeastern section. One of the choices, the Avenida 1 de Maio proposal, will see part of the LRT track constructed over the Areia Preta Park.
Some residents are concerned that the park’s usable surface area will be reduced, while others raised the issue of noise.
The consultation document on the GIT website also mentioned the possibility for improving the environment of the Areia Preta park during the LRT’s construction, if the Avenida 1 de Maio proposal is adopted.
GIT deputy chief, André Ritchie revealed yesterday that construction works on the Macau Peninsula LRT section are expected to start in 2016.
Concerning the Northeastern section of the LRT, the track is expected to occupy around 10 percent of the Areia Preta Park’s total surface area. In order to better integrate the concrete viaduct into the park, GIT will use architectural measures to improve the appearance of the track, as well as increasing the greening of the concrete structure.
The office also wants to use the track as a giant shade that will allow residents to use some of the park’s facilities in any weather conditions.
Moreover, André Ritchie suggested that there might be other measures that could be used to further compensate the greening area of the park. For example, GIT is looking into expanding the park to reach the pavement, and will also consider reducing or adjusting the parking space alongside the pavement.
Nevertheless, he stressed that the expansion of the park is optional. The government will also make sure that there are enough new parking spaces to compensate for the loss of any currently in place. These new spaces will most likely be found in a nearby underground parking lot, which was mentioned in the consultation document.
André Ritchie reiterated that the government has made no presumptions regarding the results of the consultation for the LRT’s Northeastern section.
As for the noise issue, the GIT deputy chief stressed that since the LRT train cars will use rubber tires, the noise generated should be less than that of buses and trains.
A number of LTR sections will also have noise barriers installed.
When asked whether the whole LRT section could be sealed with noise barrier, an official from the Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA) claimed that this would affect both the budget and the appearance of the track.
GIT has said that it will provide more information to the public over the consultation period, which will end on August 14. GIT has encouraged residents to further express their opinions regarding the LRT’s Northeastern section.