Right here stands Kwong Fuk Bridge a footbridge with a story. This bridge crosses the Lam Tsuen River in Tai Po. Kwong Fuk Bridge connects Tai Po Old Market and Tai Wo New Market. No cable ferry is needed to cross the river.
The original Kwong Fuk Bridge was built in 1896. This was during the Qing Dynasty. In 1898, British Hong Kong expanded the bridge. It became a four-lane two-way traffic crossing. In 1957, it was expanded again.
However, in 1986, the original bridge was removed. It was replaced with the footbridge we see today. The current Kwong Fuk Bridge has a traditional Chinese style. It has been relocated a few times along the river.
Interestingly, a 1952 map clearly shows this bridge. Construction details appear in the PWD Annual Report for 1914. A contract was given to Mr. Lam Woo in May for the main bridge. It spanned 182 feet at Tai Wo Shi. By the end of the year, most earthworks were done. All culverts and bridges were completed, except the main one at Tai Wo Shi. Also, one single-span bridge remained unfinished.
After crossing Kwong Fuk Bridge at Tai Wo Shi, the road runs on a high embankment. It crosses low-lying agricultural land to the northwest. This embankment was first built for the Kowloon-Canton Railway. But the railway realigned its route. So, the embankment was used for the road.
The work was finally completed in June 1915. It is assumed that this bridge was demolished during the construction of the third-generation bridge.
Several photos from 1941 show Japanese troops crossing this bridge. It was still intact then. Allied troops were tasked with destroying bridges to slow the Japanese advance. It’s a mystery why this bridge was spared.
Look at the row of Delonix regia trees planted along the river. These add seasonal interest and shade. The Delonix regia is common in Hong Kong. Landscape architects like it as an ornamental tree. Its bright red flowers provide visual stimulation. These flamboyant red flowers bloom in early summer. With emerald green leaves, they decorate the Lam Tsuen River. They give it a unique crown.
In July 2020, LegCo Members visited a proposed site nearby. It was for a Kwong Fuk Vehicular Bridge. This additional vehicular bridge would cross Lam Tsuen River near Kwong Fuk Bridge. The members observed the site at Pak Shing Street. They expressed concerns about the project’s impact on nearby residents.