It was speculated that the request would not receive enough votes, with legislators raising concerns and noting the cost was six times the original HK$1.1 billion estimate in 2006.

“After considering lawmakers’ views, the Civil Engineering and Development Department has revised the proposed scope of works, estimated construction cost and cash flow on the premise that it will not affect the functionality of this project,” the paper issued by the bureau said.

“[The funding request] has been revised from HK$7.16 billion to HK$6.81 billion in a bid to address lawmakers’ concerns about its construction costs.”

Hong Kong authorities withdraw funding proposal for trunk road at last moment

The use of less advanced but cheaper materials to build noise barriers will save HK$120 million, and dropping one planned cycle bridge and a lift another HK$100 million.

Scaling back some cityscape enhancement works will make possible a further cut of HK$30 million.

The planned T4 road will directly connect Sha Tin with Ma On Shan, Tsuen Wan and Kowloon East to relieve congestion in Sha Tin district.

Hong Kong officials warn of HK$5 billion in extra costs if trunk road delayed

Officials had argued the price tag was worth the social benefits the road brought. The project could shorten the journey time between Ma On Shan town centre and Shing Mun Tunnels from 20 minutes to an estimated 12 minutes during peak hours.

The bureau also stressed there was no room for delay of the project.

Legislator Stanley Li Sai-wing, of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, said his party appreciated the government’s efforts to explain to the public and try its best to reduce costs for the project.

“We appreciate that officials have tried their best to address Legislative Council members’ concern,” Li said.

“Of course, the lower the cost the better. But we have to be careful not to allow the quality of the work to be compromised.”

Li was also quick to add: “We hope the officials can explain further [at the Finance Committee] meeting the measures that will be in place to monitor spending during construction.

“The last thing we want to see is that officials will return to Legco to ask for additional funding after building work starts because of going over budget.”

But fellow legislator Kitson Yang Wing-kit remained unconvinced.

“The cost is still very high,” said Yang, urging officials to consider other options to further cut costs.

Yang proposed scrapping the plan for building underground carriageways, estimating it could save at least HK$1 billion.

The underground carriageway works alone cost more than HK$2 billion. The work is supposed to minimise adverse effects on the environment along the Shing Mun River.

Director of Civil Engineering and Development Michael Fong Hok-shing earlier said a variety of factors had contributed to cost increases, including inflation over the years and changes to original route designs.

Fong said that if Legco approved the plan, the project could start at once and be completed in six years.

Earlier this month in a series of social media posts, the bureau defended the project as “cost effective, cost conscious, cost comparable and cost competitive”.

It said the road would provide a convenient route for residents of Ma On Shan and Sha Tin, as well as help divert and relieve traffic pressure on Tai Po Road and Tolo Highway. The bureau also warned that the social cost would be as much as HK$5 billion if the project was delayed for another 10 years.