Hong Kong’s new Tseung Kwan O bridge closes to pedestrians, cyclists a week after launch due to strong winds
- Transport Department advises cyclists and pedestrians to use alternative travel routes to Lohas Park and Tiu Keng Leng.
- Gale-force winds expected offshore and on high ground, health authorities remind public to keep warm amid sharp dip in temperature
Hong Kong’s new bridge in Tseung Kwan O was on Saturday closed to cyclists and pedestrians just a week after it opened because of strong winds, with organisers of Sunday’s Hong Kong Cyclothon saying it would consider rerouting the event if the weather was too bad.
The 1.8km (1.1 mile) Cross Bay Link, part of a tunnel-and-bridge system connecting Tseung Kwan O with Kwun Tong, is still open to vehicle traffic.
The Transport Department advised cyclists and pedestrians to use alternative travel routes to Lohas Park and Tiu Keng Leng.
The announcement was made soon after the Observatory warned at 9.45am that strong winds were expected from the north and appealed to the public to be wary of rough coastal conditions.
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“Temperatures will fall to around 10 degrees Celsius [50 Fahrenheit] tonight in the urban areas and a few degrees lower in the New Territories,” the Observatory said, adding occasional gale-force winds – with speeds of between 63km/h and 87km/h (39mph to 54mph) – were expected offshore and on high ground.
The weather agency recorded the highest temperature of 15.1 degrees Celsius on Saturday, with the lowest temperature at 11.8 degrees.
A cold weather warning and strong monsoon signal, issued at 4.20pm on Friday, is still in effect. The former implies the minimum temperature is expected to drop to 12 degrees or less.
Saturday’s gale also prompted the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the organiser of the Cyclothon event, to consider rerouting if the winds did not die down.
“The Hong Kong Tourism Board is in close contact with the Observatory,” a spokesman said.
“Staff members will discuss and consider the safest routes with the Cycling Association of Hong Kong 15 minutes before the start of the 50km and 30km races in response to the wind speeds measured on the Stonecutters’ Bridge, Ting Kau Bridge and Tsing Ma Bridge.”
The Observatory said the cold weather was set to persist for the next few days, adding that with the combined effect of gusts of wind, people would feel colder than the air temperature.
“If you are not well sheltered from the north, you are advised to take precautions against strong, gusty winds,” the forecaster said, warning that hypothermia could result from prolonged exposure.
Health authorities also reminded the public, especially the elderly or those with chronic illnesses, to take action to protect themselves from respiratory diseases.
“They should pay careful attention to keeping warm,” the Centre for Health Protection said. “The sharp temperature drop may induce serious diseases.”
The Home Affairs Department said it had opened 18 temporary shelters for those in need.
Just-opened tunnel and roads in Hong Kong to be monitored for traffic problems
The Cross Bay Link, which opened on December 11, stretches across Junk Bay, connecting Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate and the Lohas Park residential area.
It is the first bridge in Hong Kong to have a roadway, a pedestrian path and bicycle lanes.
According to Transport Department guidelines, announcements will be made and signs set up to warn the public against staying on the bridge when the wind speed reaches 25km/h. The pedestrian and cycle paths will be closed when the wind speed on the bridge hits 40km/h.
The recorded maximum sustained wind speed in Sai Kung was 63km/h at 9.30am.
