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The Transport Department (TD) today (February 4) reminded the public that special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon for the Lunar New Year Fireworks Display on the second day of the Lunar New Year (February 9).
The arrangements will mainly include:
(A) Traffic arrangements
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On Hong Kong Island, road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented in phases from 1pm at the Lower Peak Tram Station and from 6.30pm in Wan Chai and Central, on the Peak and at the Island Eastern Corridor westbound between Victoria Park Road and Man Hong Street.
In Kowloon, road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented in phases from 6pm in Tsim Sha Tsui and Jordan.
The above traffic arrangements will be implemented until the crowd disperses and road closures are lifted.
(B) Public transport services arrangements
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(1) Bus and green minibus (GMB) services
In connection with the road closures, some bus and GMB stops will be suspended or relocated. Bus and GMB routes operating in the road closure areas will be diverted. The services of some bus routes will be strengthened.
(2) MTR services
The services of the Island Line will be strengthened to a three-minute headway from 6pm to 10.30pm. Tsuen Wan Line and Kwun Tong Line services will also be strengthened to a three-minute headway from 8.30pm to 10.30pm. Tseung Kwan O Line services will be strengthened to a four-minute headway from 8pm to 10.30pm. In addition, West Rail Line services will be strengthened to a headway of four minutes from 8.30pm to 11.30pm.
(3) Tramways service
Normal holiday service will be operated and the frequency of the tram service will be strengthened to meet passenger demand if necessary.
(4) Central-Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System
The service of the Central to Mid-levels Escalator and Walkway System will be extended to 2am on February 10.
(5) Cross-boundary coach services
The terminus of the cross-boundary coach services between Wan Chai and Huanggang at the Wan Chai North Bus Terminus will be suspended from 6.30pm until the road closure is lifted. The terminating point of the service will be relocated to Hennessy Road eastbound under the O'Brien Road footbridge.
(6) Ferry services
Ferry companies will adjust their services in regard to the fireworks display.
Due to extensive road closures, the TD anticipates that the traffic in the vicinity of the affected areas will be significantly congested on that day. Motorists are advised to avoid driving to the affected areas. In case of traffic congestion, motorists should exercise tolerance and patience, and follow the instructions of the Police. Members of the public who plan to go to the affected areas are advised to use public transport services.
The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures whenever necessary. Motorists and the public are advised to stay alert to the latest traffic news on radio and television.
Details of the special traffic and transport arrangements are available at the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk). For further queries, please call 1823.
Ends/Thursday, February 4, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:07
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