27th December 2024 – (Hong Kong) To ensure the smooth running of New Year’s Eve celebrations, extensive traffic arrangements have been put in place across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. These measures, effective from the evening of 31st December, 2024, to the early hours of 1st January, 2025, are designed to accommodate the large crowds expected and the annual fireworks display, enhancing safety and accessibility.
On Hong Kong Island, road closures will commence at 7pm around the Golden Bauhinia Square with additional closures across the Central and Wan Chai districts from 9:30 pm. These include major arteries such as Man Kwong Street, Lung Wo Road, and sections of the Central – Wan Chai Bypass. The closures will facilitate the fireworks display, a highlight of the city’s celebrations, visible from numerous vantage points around the harbour.
In Lan Kwai Fong, roads will be shut from 2pm on 31st December until 5 am the following day, affecting D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong itself, and adjacent lanes. This area, known for its vibrant party scene, is expected to draw thousands of revellers to count down to the new year.
Traffic diversions and the suspension of parking spaces across the affected areas will also be in force. Major bus routes and public transport interchanges, including those at the Exhibition Centre Station and the Central Ferry Piers, will be temporarily suspended during the peak celebration times.
In Kowloon, strategic road closures will begin at 6 pm, particularly around Tsim Sha Tsui and the West Kowloon Cultural District. These include sections of Nathan Road, Salisbury Road, and Kowloon Park Drive, with phased closures to manage both vehicular and pedestrian traffic efficiently. Diversion routes will be clearly marked, and traffic will be redirected around major congestion points to minimize disruption.
Public transport services will be significantly enhanced to handle the increased demand. The MTR will increase train frequencies from 3 pm on December 31, and overnight services will be available on key lines. Additional bus services, including special routes, will operate into the early hours to accommodate party-goers and ensure a smooth return home.
Furthermore, the Star Ferry and other local ferry services will adjust their schedules in response to the fireworks display, with some suspensions from 10:30 pm. This is to ensure the safety of all harbour traffic and spectators during the event.
For those attending midnight mass at St. Joseph’s Church, specific arrangements have been made, including the closure of the rightmost lane of Garden Road, to aid in the safe dispersal of worshippers.
Authorities advise the public to use public transport as far as possible to access the festivities, avoiding congested areas and closed roads. Real-time traffic updates will be available through the TD mobile application “HKeMobility”, and officers will be on hand to direct traffic and assist the public throughout the evening.
