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Pilot Scheme on Wading Line System to cope with flooding at low-lying road sections (with photos/video)
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     In view of the increased chance of flooding at low-lying road sections caused by heavy rain under extreme weather, the Government will launch the Pilot Scheme on Wading Line System at five low-lying road sections with higher risk to monitor the flooding situation in real time, to facilitate effective mobilisation and collaboration of relevant government departments to tackle flooding as early as possible, and alert drivers of flooding on the road ahead, thereby reducing the possibility of vehicles stalling due to damage by flooding.
      
     A Government spokesman said today (April 11) that the five pilot road sections are located at Chai Wan Road, Lung Cheung Road, Tsui Ping Road, Chatham Road North, and Nam Wan Road in Tai Po Market. During the severe rainstorms in September 2023, these locations experienced more serious flooding, causing damage to vehicles and rendering them inoperable.
      
     Warning signs of the system will be placed at low-lying road sections, including a red wavy line and the words "Wading Line" painted on the road surface, with a water meter gauge placed next to it and a sign erected next to the carriageway. When the water level has reached or submerged the wading line, it indicates that the depth of the water at the lowest point of the road ahead has reached 0.3 metre or above.
      
     In addition, the Drainage Services Department (DSD) will install water level sensors called Flood Monitoring Devices at the lowest point of the road sections to collect real-time water level data. When the devices detect that the water level on the road has reached the warning level, the monitoring system will immediately alert relevant government departments. The DSD and the Highways Department (HyD) will promptly deploy emergency response teams to inspect and clear blocked drains to reduce the risk of flooding. When the depth of the water has reached 0.3 metre, there will be temporary traffic guidance on-site to prevent vehicles from entering the flooded road sections. The Transport Department will disseminate information on traffic arrangements accordingly and the Police will assist at scene as necessary.

     If vehicles have entered low-lying road sections before temporary traffic guidance is in place, drivers should stop their vehicles before reaching the wading line and avoid entering the flooded area. They should turn on hazard warning lights and follow the on-site directions to leave the temporarily closed road sections.
      
     The Government will monitor the implementation of the pilot scheme, review its effectiveness in due course and optimise it as necessary.
      
     To facilitate the progressive installation of warning signs of the system at the pilot road sections by the HyD, which will begin in late April, temporary traffic arrangements will be implemented in phases at the relevant road sections. The installation is expected to be completed in mid-May.
 
Ends/Friday, April 11, 2025
Issued at HKT 15:00
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The Government will launch the Pilot Scheme on Wading Line System at five low-lying road sections with higher risk of flooding to conduct real-time monitoring to tackle flooding as early as possible. The scheme also alerts drivers of flooding on the road ahead, thereby reducing the possibility of vehicles stalling due to damage by flooding. Photo shows a sign to be erected next to the carriageway at the pilot road sections.
The Government will launch the Pilot Scheme on Wading Line System at five low-lying road sections with higher risk of flooding to conduct real-time monitoring to tackle flooding as early as possible. The scheme also alerts drivers of flooding on the road ahead, thereby reducing the possibility of vehicles stalling due to damage by flooding. Photo shows a water meter gauge to be placed at the pilot road sections.
The Government will launch the Pilot Scheme on Wading Line System at five low-lying road sections with higher risk of flooding to conduct real-time monitoring to tackle flooding as early as possible. The scheme also alerts drivers of flooding on the road ahead, thereby reducing the possibility of vehicles stalling due to damage by flooding. Photo shows a Flood Monitoring Device, which is a water level sensor to be installed at the lowest point of the pilot road sections.

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Pilot Scheme on Wading Line System
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