Round up on the first working day of traffic diversion

    Traffic at Causeway Bay was normal as at 7 pm today while it was busy and sometimes congested in the morning of the first working day after implementation of the traffic arrangements to facilitate the reconstruction of Causeway Bay Flyover.

    As part of the measures to relieve the eastbound traffic flow at Gloucester Road, two franchised bus routes No 2 (Eastern District bound) and No 70 (Aberdeen bound) will be diverted from 4.30 pm to skip stops on Lockhart Road and Gloucester Road. The diversion which will last for three days until Wednesday (June 15) could reduce the weaving movements of buses cutting across four lanes on Gloucester Road to observe the bus stop.

    Passengers are advised to note the diversion of Routes 2 and 70 will take place at different time periods. For Route 2, the diversion period starts from 4.30 pm today continuously until the last departure on June 15 (Wednesday). For Route 70, it will be only from 4.30 pm to the last departure daily on June 13, 14 and 15.

    The affected bus stops have had notice posted and bus company have sent its staff on site to help passengers.

    A Transport Department spokesman said the department would closely monitor the traffic condition in the next few days. He advised motorists to familiarise themselves the traffic diversion scheme, drive carefully, observe the traffic signs and road markings in the vicinity and follow the advice given from police officers on site.

    Special traffic arrangements have been implemented and will last throughout the reconstruction of the flyover for about 24 months.

    Details of the above arrangements had been uploaded onto the Transport Department's website http://www.info.gov.hk/td/eng/notice/specialtravel/specialtravel_index.html

    A series of publicity items were in place to enhance public awareness of the traffic and transport arrangements. These items included announcement through the press and radio; radio broadcast inside the Cross Harbour Tunnel; distribution of information leaflets and erection of banners. For enquiries, please dial 1823 or 2804 2600.

    Motorists were advised to pay attention to the broadcast about the latest traffic situations. Appropriate traffic aids have been erected to guide motorists and notices have been displayed by bus companies to advise passengers of the changes.

Ends/Monday, June 13, 2005