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The Transport Department (TD) today (November 28) reminded the public that a temporary traffic management scheme (TTMS) on Ma Tau Wai Road would commence this Sunday (December 2) to facilitate the construction of the Shatin to Central Link.
"The TTMS will be implemented in three stages over the next four years. During the first stage of TTMS, the three southbound lanes on the section of Ma Tau Wai Road, between Chi Kiang Street and Sheung Heung Road, will be closed while the remaining three northbound lanes will be turned into one northbound and two southbound lanes. This Stage One TTMS will last for about a year," said the Assistant Commissioner (Planning) for Transport, Mr Anthony Loo, at a press conference today on the TTMS.
"We anticipate that the traffic flow in the area will inevitably be affected. However, various mitigation measures will be in place to contain the effect on traffic flow and to ensure the effective functioning of the TTMS," Mr Loo added.
Major arrangements of the first stage of TTMS are as follows:
Turning movement of traffic
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With Ma Tau Wai Road northbound reduced to single lane, Kau Pui Lung Road will serve as an alternative route. A significant proportion of traffic along Ma Tau Wai Road is expected to go through Chi Kiang Street, Kau Pui Lung Road, then Tin Kwong Road and return to Ma Tau Wai Road.
To permit this movement, the junction of Kau Pui Lung Road and Tin Kwong Road has been modified into a signal controlled junction and right-turn movement from Kau Pui Lung Road to Tin Kwong Road is allowed. The junction control has been put into operation since early November.
To diverge the traffic at the junction of Tin Kwong Road and Ma Tau Wai Road, action was taken from November 24 to reverse the traffic direction of the Farm Road from westbound to eastbound to allow vehicles on Tin Kwong Road to drive into Ma Tau Wai Road via Farm Road.
Restricted zone
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The relevant northbound section of Ma Tau Wai Road will be designated as a 7am to midnight restricted zone. Private vehicles, taxis and public light buses may pick up or drop off passengers on Kau Pui Lung Road. Goods vehicles can load or unload goods at designated spaces provided at the Maidstone Road. Operators of school and nanny buses are advised to use the designated pick-up/drop off bay and parking spaces provided at Farm Road and Kau Pui Lung Road.
Relocation of bus and minibus (GMB) stops
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All of the 27 bus and seven GMB routes running along the relevant section of Ma Tau Wai Road will be maintained. The bus and GMB stops on the section concerned will be shifted by a short distance along Ma Tau Wai Road.
"Motorists are advised to pay particular attention to the traffic arrangement and bus and minibus passengers are advised to pay attention to notices displayed at the existing bus and minibus stops in order to know in advance the new stop locations," Mr Loo said.
He also mentioned that Ma Tau Wai Road is one of the trunk roads linking the Kowloon East and West. To ensure the smooth traffic flow, the TD have jointly prepared a contingency plan with the Police and MTR in case of any traffic incidents during the course of the TTMS.
The contingency plan includes round-the-clock monitoring of the traffic situation through CCTV and stand-by tow truck and equipment for speedy clearance of any incident spots. Depending on the traffic condition, the 28 Variable-Message-Signs, which have already been erected at various strategic locations over the territory, will be used to display the latest messages to guide traffic to use alternative routes and avoid the incident spot.
For drivers traveling between Kowloon East and West, Mr Loo also advised them to consider using alternative routes such as East Kowloon Corridor, Princess Margaret Road, Argyle Street and Fat Kwong Street.
In the initial period of the TTMS, the public may need some time to get accustomed to the changes. People going to the area are reminded to keep abreast of the traffic situation and allow sufficient journey time.
Details on the TTMS are available at the TD website (www.td.gov.hk). Public may also call 1823 Call Centre (Tel: 1823) or MTR Projects Hotline 2993 3333 for information.
Ends/Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:22
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