Traffic and transport arrangements for Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens

     The Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens will be held at the Hong Kong Stadium  from 7.45am to 7.40pm on Saturday (April 1) and 7.15am to 7.30pm on Sunday (April 2).

     The Transport Department will implement temporary traffic and transport arrangements in So Kon Po, Causeway Bay and Wan Chai areas from March 31 to April 2, 2006.

     A department spokesman said today (March 31) that subject to the actual traffic and crowd conditions, a series of special temporary traffic and transport arrangements would be implemented for the commencement, conclusion and throughout the event. These include:

* temporary road closures and traffic diversions in So Kon Po, Causeway Bay and Wan Chai areas, including Caroline Hill Road, Eastern Hospital Road, Cotton Path, Link Road, Hoi Ping Road and Hysan Avenue;

* temporary diversions of about seven bus routes, three green minibus routes and one residential coach service passing through the affected areas;

* temporary suspension of bus stops, green mini bus stand, taxi pick up/drop off point and parking meters; and

* provision of free shuttle bus service between Hong Kong Stadium and Admiralty MTR Station. Event goers are encouraged to use the above free shuttle bus service, Citybus route 5B and MTR service to/from the stadium.

     "Traffic aids will be provided to guide motorists and notices will be displayed by the public transport operators concerned to advise passengers of the temporary arrangements.

     "Members of the public who are going to the affected areas are advised to use public transport. Motorists are urged to follow the traffic signs and avoid driving to the area if not strictly necessary. They are also advised to exercise patience and take heed of instructions of the Police in the affected areas," he added.

     The department and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and will implement appropriate measures whenever necessary. The public should pay attention to the latest traffic news broadcasts on the radio.

     Details of the temporary traffic and transport arrangements are available at the "Traffic Notices" of the Department's Homepage.

Ends/Friday, March 31, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:59