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The Transport Department (TD) today (October 10) said that despite a decrease in traffic flow recorded at the three cross harbour tunnels and Aberdeen Tunnel recently, alternative routes connecting the eastern and western parts of Hong Kong Island, particularly Kennedy Road, Tai Hang Road and Lung Wo Road, and major roads in the Southern District, were still congested this morning during the occupation of major trunk roads on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon by protesters.
The Assistant Commissioner for Transport, Mr Albert Su, said at an inter-departmental press conference today that compared with the situation before the occupation of roads on September 27, the number of vehicles travelling via the three cross harbour tunnels and Aberdeen Tunnel in the past two days had decreased by about 10 per cent. He added that since the occupied roads on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon town centre were not yet re-opened while the various alternative routes had reached their capacity, traffic congestion would deteriorate if the number of vehicles on roads was back to the normal level.
Meanwhile, he noted that several hundreds of goods vehicles would be carrying out delivery activities from today until Sunday for a large-scale exhibition to be held in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre next Monday. Coupled with more people going out tonight before the weekend, it is anticipated that the traffic would be even more congested on roads in Wan Chai North.
He appealed to drivers that they should avoid driving to Hong Kong Island as far as possible. Members of the public going out should set off earlier and allow more time for travelling. They are also advised to pay attention to the TD and bus companies' announcement of transport and traffic information to plan their journey in advance.
Regarding public transport services, a total of 249 bus routes are affected today, representing 40 per cent of the total bus routes. This included 20 suspended bus routes and 229 diverted bus routes. The TD has been in close contact with the bus companies to review the road situation with a view to resuming normal bus services gradually. To better facilitate residents on the Mid-levels, New World First Bus (NWFB) Route 13 today resumed service in form of a circular route plying between Central and Kotewall Road. NWFB Route 23 also resumed partial service with truncated route running between Central and Pokfield Road. Separately, cross harbour route 104 will also resume partial service tomorrow with truncated route from Wan Chai to Pak Tin.
A total of 27 Green minibus routes are diverted, suspended or with service adjusted. The tram service between Western Market and Victoria Park remains suspended. The MTRCL will continue to increase its services for the urban lines.
The TD's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will continue to monitor the road traffic situation and transport services.
For details of the major traffic and transport arrangements currently implemented, please refer to the TD website (www.td.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, October 10, 2014
Issued at HKT 21:27
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