Special traffic and public transport arrangements for flag raising ceremony, celebration parade and public processions tomorrow

     The Transport Department today (June 30) reminded the public that special traffic and public transport arrangements would be implemented tomorrow (July 1) to facilitate the flag raising ceremony, the celebration parade and various public processions on Hong Kong Island.

     The flag raising ceremony will be held at 8am at Golden Bauhinia Square, the celebration parade from Hong Kong Stadium to Southorn Playground will start from 10.30am while various public processions from Victoria Park to Central Government Offices will start from 2.15pm tomorrow.

     Major details of the special traffic and public transport arrangements are:

* To facilitate the flag raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square, the roads at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre New Wing will be closed from 6.45am to 11am.

* For the celebration parade, the parade route of Eastern Hospital Road and the westbound carriageway of Yee Wo Street and Hennessy Road will be closed from about 9.45am. In addition, localised road closures and traffic diversion will also be implemented for arrival in the vicinity of the Hong Kong Stadium from about 7.45am. (Figure 1)

* For various public processions, the westbound carriageway of Causeway Road, Yee Wo Street, Hennessy Road and Queensway, Queen's Road Central between Queensway and Pedder Street; and Des Voeux Road Central westbound between Queensway and Pedder Street will be closed from 2pm in phases. In addition, roads at Paterson Street shopping area and in the vicinity of Central Government Offices will also be closed from 1pm in phases. (Figure 2)

* In connection with road closures, 81 bus routes and 19 green minibus routes will be diverted.

* Bus stops, Green Minibus and public light bus stands, taxi stands, parking meters and car parks located in road closure areas will be suspended. For tram service, the tram stops on Causeway Road and Yee Wo Street will be suspended.

     Due to extensive road closures, the traffic in Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Aberdeen Tunnel and Cross Harbour Tunnel will be seriously congested and the traffic queue may take a long time to disperse.

     Appropriate traffic aids will be erected to guide motorists and notices will be displayed by public transport operators to advise passengers of the temporary arrangements. Motorists should exercise tolerance and patience in cases of traffic congestion and take heed of instruction of the Police; and watch out for the latest traffic news on radio and television stations.

     Motorists are advised not to drive to the affected areas, especially Wan Chai and Causeway Bay unless necessary. They are advised to plan their routes early, use alternative routes and allow more travelling time to cater for unexpected delay. Bus and other public transport commuters are advised to pay attention to the arrangements of route diversions and suspension/relocation of stops.

     Depending on the prevailing circumstances, the Police may extend the coverage of the road closures, including introduction of more ad-hoc traffic and public transport measures at short notice.

     For updated and latest traffic and transport information, members of the public can call 1823 Call Centre or browse Transport Department website (www.td.gov.hk).

Ends/Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:01

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