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The Central-Wan Chai Bypass, seen from above Tin Hau. Photo: Martin Chan

Hong Kong’s Central-Wan Chai Bypass opens to traffic – but industry observers warn the real test comes on Monday

  • Early bird motorists include transport workers’ union member, who intends to gauge if traffic signs are effective and provide feedback
  • Link’s potential to reduce congestion is expected to be a boon for taxi drivers

Hong Kong’s long-awaited Central-Wan Chai Bypass provided a smooth ride as it opened to traffic on Sunday morning, but industry observers said the real challenge comes with Monday’s morning rush hour.

The warning came as enthusiasts highlighted some pitfalls and hiccups on the bypass after road-testing the HK$36 billion (US$4.6 billion) link that was almost 10 years in the making.

The 4.5km bypass, comprising a flyover and a 3.7km tunnel, is expected to relieve traffic jams between North Point and Central, particularly on Gloucester Road, Harcourt Road and Connaught Road Central.

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Taxi driver Leung Tat-chong, also an executive member of the Motor Transport Workers General Union, said it took about eight minutes to travel from Taikoo Shing to Central but raised concerns that the temporary westbound exit near the Four Seasons Hotel would create a bottleneck for Connaught Road Central.

While the eastbound carriageway to the tunnel section was put into service on Sunday, a link road connecting the bypass and the westbound carriageway of the Rumsey Street Flyover will remain under construction for another month.

Traffic congestion along Gloucester Road. The bypass is designed to alleviate such jams. Photo: Winson Wong

Leung advised westbound-drivers wishing to go to the Central and Western district via the bypass to take the Wan Chai North route instead.

“I can foresee congestion in the coming two weeks around this area,” Leung said. “Drivers still need time to familiarise themselves with the new routes.”

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He added more signs should be put inside the tunnel to make the various speed limits of each section clear.

“But after the bypass’s complete opening, I am confident the congestion problems on Hong Kong Island will be largely resolved,” he said.

Leung added he felt the link would benefit the taxi industry greatly, as reducing congestion meant better business for drivers.

Taxi driver Leung Tat-chong takes a ride across the Central-Wan Chai Bypass on Sunday. Photo: Dickson Lee

“I believe there will be a boom in taxi business, at least 10 to 20 per cent rise in business,” he said.

He said commuters going to Central and Sai Wan would no longer need to suffer from the punishing congestion around Wan Chai North.

“Residents will find the journey faster. When it gets faster, they will be more willing to take a cab.”

Wong Po-keung, chairman of the Hong Kong Taxi Owners’ Association, predicted the new facility would create a 5 per cent rise in income for taxi drivers as a result of faster and more convenient rides.

“I tried the route just now, both east and westbound. The rides were very smooth and all the signs and lighting were very clear. It took less than five minutes to travel the length of the bypass,” he said on Sunday morning.

The Central tunnel opening to the bypass. Photo: Sam Tsang

“Drivers need to decide which route they are taking before entering as no lane changing is allowed. For professional drivers like us, I don’t see any problems familiarising with the new routes. Even private car drivers will easily get a good grasp,” he said.

Wong said the bypass would ease congestion around Gloucester Road in Wan Chai, Victoria Park and the Wan Chai Pier.

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“It will benefit all passengers as they don’t need to sit in traffic when going to work,” he said.

Work began in 2009 and the entire project was expected to open in 2017, but it was delayed by budget overruns and technical difficulties.

In 2013, the government requested another HK$8 billion on top of the initial HK$28 billion price tag, sparking anger among lawmakers.

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: b y pass geared up f or r ush h our after sm ooth launch
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