The Hong Kong government has announced plans to accelerate the construction of critical infrastructure for the Northern Metropolis, a major urban development project. Under the new timeline, the San Tin highway section is slated for completion by 2034, while the target for the Tsing Lung Bridge has been moved to 2033. These adjustments are intended to support the rapid expansion of the area, which includes significant developments such as the Hung Shui Kiu University Town.

Despite the accelerated schedule, concerns remain regarding the synchronization of transport links with housing and commercial occupancy. A transport expert and a lawmaker have publicly cautioned that the current pace may still result in a 'connectivity gap.' They argue that if infrastructure lags behind the influx of new residents and businesses, the area could face significant logistical challenges. To mitigate these risks, these stakeholders have recommended that the government implement interim solutions, such as the immediate introduction of express bus routes, and prioritize the construction of the Central Rail Link. The government has not yet provided a detailed response on whether these additional measures will be adopted to bridge the potential timing mismatch.