Tsim Sha Tsui traffic generally normal under new traffic schemes

Traffic in Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) has been normal in general today (September 18) after launching of the temporary traffic management schemes in the morning.

Deputy Commissioner for Transport(Planning and Technical Services), Mr George Lai Fuk-kan, said after the field observation this morning that implementation of the temporary traffic management schemes started from today to cope with the expected traffic impacts brought by closure of two northbound lanes and one southbound lane at Nathan Road to facilitate MTR TST Station Modification Works from September 23.

He said: "The Transport Department (TD) and all relevant authorities pay high attention to the traffic management schemes. TD has activated the Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre to liaise with relevant government departments and organizations and closely monitor the traffic conditions in the area."

"According to observation, works for the Peking Road Gyratory System have been completed on time and operated properly in general.

During the initial stages of the traffic management schemes, members of the public are advised to avoid driving to the area and to use public transport. Motorists are advised to pay attention to the road signs and follow the instructions of police officers on site if entering the area is unavoidable," he added.

He said that TD would co-ordinate with the MTRCL and relevant departments to fine-tune the schemes if necessary.

The following temporary traffic measures have been implemented from 7 am today (September 18):

	banning of the right turn from Nathan Road southbound to Peking Road westbound;
	deletion of the pedestrian crossings on Nathan Road to the south of the Nathan Road and Peking Road junction;
	widening of the existing pedestrian crossing on Nathan Road to the north of the Nathan Road and Peking Road junction;
	implementation of the Peking Road Gyratory Scheme, including a right turn from Kowloon Park Drive northbound to Peking Road eastbound;
	prohibition of private vehicles from entering from Middle Road westbound to Ashley Road northbound for the period from 9 am to 7 pm of each day; and
	prohibition of private vehicles and taxis from entering from Ashley Road northbound to Peking Road westbound at all times.

The MTR TST Station Modification Works includes the extension of the southern station concourse and construction of a pedestrian subway link to the Middle Road Subway which connects the future KCR East TST Station and MTR TST Station. Upon completion, the pedestrian subway link will not only facilitate easy transfer between the two railway systems, but also relieve road congestion at TST by providing a 24-hour pedestrian subway network.

End/Wednesday, September 18, 2002