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The Transport Department (TD) today (November 3) said that because major trunk roads on Hong Kong Island are still illegally occupied and two traffic accidents occurred on Connaught Road Central near Exchange Square in Central during morning peak hours today, there was very serious traffic congestion in the vicinity. As a number of road sections are closed due to the occupation movement, the impact on traffic and public transport services would be considerable if there are any unforeseen incidents on roads. The TD reminded members of the public and motorists to exercise patience in case of traffic congestion, and pay attention to road safety at all times.
Since major trunk roads on Hong Kong Island such as Harcourt Road are yet to be re-opened, motorists could only continue to use Lung Wo Road and inner Gloucester Road to travel between the eastern and western parts of Hong Kong Island. Hence, traffic congestion continued on Lung Wo Road eastbound while vehicles were found moving slowly on inner Gloucester Road westbound heading for Central during peak hours this morning. The two traffic accidents in Central this morning respectively resulted in temporary closures of the middle and slow lanes of Connaught Road Central (Wan Chai bound), and the slow lane of Connaught Road Central (Central bound), seriously intensifying traffic loads on Hong Kong Island.
As public transport services affected by the traffic situation are still unstable, the TD again reminded members of the public that they should start their journeys early and allow more time for travelling. Police will also continue to implement temporary traffic control measures according to the traffic situation to divert traffic flow. Motorists should pay attention to the arrangements and follow the instructions of the Police at the scene.
Regarding public transport services, a total of 221 bus routes are still affected today, with eight bus routes suspended and 213 bus routes diverted. Among the affected bus routes, 80 routes travelling via Mong Kok are diverted due to the closure of a number of road sections in Mong Kok. A total of 20 green minibus routes travelling via Harcourt Road, Nathan Road and Argyle Street are still diverted or suspended or with service adjusted. Currently, the tram service between Percival Street and Paterson Street is still suspended. The MTR Corporation Limited continues to increase services for all urban lines to cope with passenger demand.
The TD's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will continue to monitor the road traffic situation and public transport services. For details of road closure, traffic diversion, suspension and route diversion of green minibus services, please refer to the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk). Regarding temporary traffic arrangements for bus routes, please refer to the following bus companies' websites for details:
For routes of Citybus and New World First Bus: www.nwstbus.com.hk/en/uploadedFiles/OC2014/TAA.htm
For routes of Kowloon Motor Bus: www.kmb.hk/en
As there will be updates on bus services from time to time due to traffic changes, members of the public are advised to pay attention to the latest service arrangements announced by bus companies before starting their journeys.
Ends/Monday, November 3, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:13
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