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The Transport Department (TD) today (November 13) said that a number of major trunk roads affected by the occupy movement are still closed and this has caused busy traffic on Hong Kong Island, especially in the vicinity of Causeway Bay and Wan Chai. Coupled with an event recently held by a company in Causeway Bay, involving a lot of trucks travelling on nearby roads for loading and unloading activities, the situation has resulted in serious traffic congestion in the area.
In view of the frequent loading and unloading activities in the vicinity of Lockhart Road, Percival Street and Gloucester Road in Causeway Bay, the TD called on members of the public to avoid driving to Hong Kong Island, especially in the vicinity of Causeway Bay, to avoid paralysing the traffic in the area. The Police will also continue to implement temporary traffic control measures according to the traffic situation to divert traffic flow. Motorists should pay attention to the arrangements and follow the instructions of the Police at the scene.
Since the traffic in Causeway Bay is very busy, seven bus routes travelling via Causeway Bay, namely New World First Bus (NWFB) routes No. 38, 42 and 42C; Citybus (CTB) routes No. 76, 77 and 5B; and Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) route No. 603P, have been adjusted with effect from yesterday. As there will be updates on bus services from time to time due to traffic changes, members of the public are advised to pay attention to the latest service arrangements announced by bus companies before starting their journeys.
Regarding public transport services, a total of 223 bus routes were still affected today, with eight bus routes suspended and 215 bus routes diverted. Among the affected bus routes, 80 routes travelling via Mong Kok are diverted due to the closure of a number of road sections in Mong Kok. A total of 20 green minibus routes travelling via Harcourt Road, Nathan Road and Argyle Street are still diverted or suspended or have their services adjusted. Currently, the tram service between Percival Street and Paterson Street is still suspended. The MTR Corporation Limited continues to increase services for all urban lines to cope with passenger demand.
The TD's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will continue to monitor the road traffic situation and public transport services. For details of road closures, traffic diversion, suspension and route diversion of green minibus services, please refer to the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk). Regarding temporary traffic arrangements for bus routes, please refer to the following bus companies' websites for details:
For routes of CTB and NWFB: www.nwstbus.com.hk/en/uploadedFiles/OC2014/TAA.htm.
For routes of KMB: www.kmb.hk/en.
Ends/Thursday, November 13, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:52
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