Public advised to watch out for special traffic and transport arrangements for EAG opening ceremony
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The Transport Department (TD) today (December 4) called on members of the public to watch out for the special traffic and transport arrangements to be implemented tomorrow (December 5) evening for the Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games (EAG) opening ceremony. Their attention was particularly drawn to the suspension of services of the inner harbour and outlying island ferry services in phases from 7.30pm onwards.
The opening ceremony will be held tomorrow evening. Designated water areas of the Victoria Harbour will be closed from 7pm to 10.15pm. Seven inner harbour ferry services will be suspended from 7.30pm to 10.15pm while the seven ferry services plying between Central and the outlying islands, i.e. Cheung Chau, Mui Wo, Peng Chau, Ma Wan, Discovery Bay, Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan, will also be suspended from 7.45pm to 10.15pm. The TD will distribute flyers about ferry service adjustments at ferry piers today and tomorrow. The ferry operators have also posted notices at ferry piers and arranged on-vessel announcements to inform passengers of the service adjustments as well as the sailing schedule before the harbour closure and after re-opening.
As for road traffic, temporary road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented in phases from 5pm at Lower Peak Tram Station, Wan Chai, Central, Admiralty, the Peak on Hong Kong Island, and in Tsim Sha Tsui and Jordan in Kowloon until dispersal of the crowds after the fireworks display. Public transport services, including 87 franchised bus routes, 25 green minibus (GMB) routes and cross-boundary coach services operating to and from the affected areas will be re-routed, suspended, reduced or truncated. Stops for these services together with the taxi stands and on-street parking spaces within the road closure areas will also be suspended or relocated as appropriate.
"Members of the public are advised to plan their itineraries in advance and allow ample time for travelling, in particular, those who need to attend wedding ceremonies in Tsim Sha Tsui, Central and Wan Chai. The schedule for all affected public transport services may become unstable. MTR, tram and peak tram services will be strengthened as appropriate to cater for passenger demand," said a spokesman for the TD.
As the Winter Solstice and Christmas seasons are approaching, the public are urged to use public transport services to the shopping areas in Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay. The public are also urged to avoid driving to the affected areas, in particular Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Wan Chai, the Peak and Causeway Bay. They should exercise tolerance and patience in case of traffic congestion and follow instructions of the Police.
The Rugby Sevens matches will be held in the daytime tomorrow. Caroline Hill Road and Eastern Hospital Road will be re-routed into one-way anti-clockwise direction from 7am and will subsequently be closed to all vehicular traffic from about 3.25pm. Meanwhile, 14 bus routes and three GMB routes operating in the vicinity will be diverted. Some of the bus stops and GMB stops along Leighton Road will also be suspended. A special bus route no. 117R will operate from Hong Kong Stadium to Mong Kok during the dispersal phase in the afternoon.
The spokesman also noted the BMX Cycling Race to be held at Hong Kong Jockey Club International BMX Park in Kwai Chung.
"While there will be no road closure at the competition venue, traffic control measures will be stepped up to prohibit unauthorised vehicles from entering the venue. Spectators will not be allowed to drive to the venue direct. They are advised to take public transport services to MTR Kwai Fong Station and interchange for the free shuttle bus service at the Kwai Fong Station bus terminus to gain access to the competition venue."
Depending on the prevailing circumstances, other ad-hoc traffic control measures and public transport arrangements, including further closures of roads and footbridges, traffic diversions, alterations and suspension of public transport services, may be adopted by the Police at short notice. The TD would appeals to the public for their understanding and support of all the arrangements made as well as co-operation with frontline police officers on site.
Members of the public are asked to be alert to announcements by the TD and the Police, and the latest traffic and transport news broadcast on radio and television channels. They may also browse the TD website (www.td.gov.hk) or call the department's hotline 1834567 or 1823 Call Centre for details.
Ends/Friday, December 4, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:41
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