Lam Kam Road

In the 1950s, the British Hong Kong garrison constructed Lam Kam Road, , Hou Wan Road (now part of ), and Tsuen Kam Road to improve transport links in the New Territories for military purposes. Construction began on 15 July 1949, and the road opened to traffic on 28 July 1950. civilian vehicles without permits were prohibited and occasionally intercepted by the Royal Hong Kong Police Force. After persistent requests from local residents, the colonial government fully opened the road to the public on 9 March 1952. Public transport did not serve the road until 1 April 1953, when the first generation of (now 64K) began operations—the only bus route to traverse the entire road to date. The western terminus was originally at until 29 September 1978, when that section was incorporated into and the current western end at Tsuen Kam Road was established. In 1988, to support development in Kam Tin and Pat Heung, the government announced widening works for Lam Kam Road and sought over HK$60 million from the Legislative Council Finance Committee. The section from Hong Lok Yuen to Kadoorie Farm was completed in 1994, widening the carriageway from about 5.5 m to 7.3 m to current highway standards and adding a 600 m climbing lane on the steep section between Pak Ngau Shek and Kadoorie Farm. ==Route==

Lam Kam Road runs roughly northeast–southwest between Ng Tung Chai and Lam Tsuen Valley, and east–west near . It is about 5.7 km long, starting at the Lam Kam Road interchange, passing through Lam Tsuen Valley and Ng Tung Chai, climbing the 1:10 long life slope to Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, descending the 1:8 slope past Ling Wan Monastery, and ending at the roundabout with Tsuen Kam Road and Kam Tin Road. Junctions The road lies within Tai Po District and Yuen Long District, with Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden as the approximate boundary. Minor unnamed roads are omitted. ==Present status==

Annual average daily traffic The following 2021 annual average daily traffic (AADT) figures are classified as "Rural Road" by the Transport Department. Vehicle length restrictions Since 15 December 1987, vehicles longer than 11 metres have been prohibited except with permits due to road conditions. This restriction prevents many coaches serving Kadoorie Farm from using the road without permits, leading to occasional prosecutions and industry complaints. It also prevents larger buses on , though the route is near capacity. District councillors have called for lifting the restriction. The Transport Department has indicated it will study solutions, including bus turning areas and full road condition review. In the 2022–2023 Bus Route Planning Programme, the Transport Department announced improvement works on the Ng Tung Chai section of Lam Kam Road. Upon completion, a bus terminus will be established there to extend the Tai Po terminus of to Ng Tung Chai. In July 2023, after trial runs at the Ng Tung Chai roundabout, the department found 12 m buses feasible east of the roundabout and proposed lifting the 11 m restriction there, subject to public consultation. Effective 19 February 2025, buses of any length are permitted without permit east of the Ng Tung Chai roundabout. Widening works During 1990s widening, the section near was not upgraded like the Lam Tsuen Valley portion, as a 1997 study found the steep gradient made widening and curve improvements insufficient to meet modern safety standards, and low traffic volumes meant the existing design was adequate. The project stalled. In 2013, Yuen Long District Council chairman Leung Che-cheung and councillor Lai Wai-hung questioned progress; the department cited high cost and low priority compared to other projects as reasons for deferral. A working group was formed in 2014 to press for widening to support Yuen Long development. In July 2019, the Highways Department revived the proposal for the Yuen Long section—identical to the 2007 plan. Councillors urged additional lanes and curve/gradient fixes; the department said designs would consider site conditions and consult Rural Committees and the District Council before seeking funding. ==See also==