Traffic congestion in Kwun Tong is often criticized. In response to the redevelopment of Kwun Tong, the URA proposed to divert bus routes. Many bus lanes had to pass through Hoi Yuen Road roundabouts. As a result, they were criticized for intensifying traffic congestion.
The URA recently submitted a document to the District Council again and finally abandoned the original plan. Buses no longer need to pass through the roundabout and instead set up a dedicated right-turn line for franchised buses on the southbound line of Hip Wo Street to turn into Wuhua Street.
The URA explained that it had exchanged views with the District Council earlier and made this decision in order to avoid aggravating the traffic pressure on the roundabout.
The original plan was accused of "infinite reincarnation"
The URA submitted the Kwun Tong Redevelopment Project Progress Report to the Kwun Tong District Council last month. It mentioned traffic diversions. More than ten bus routes, including 1A, 13P, 89X, 23M, etc., were originally scheduled to be along Yue Man Square. The old routes leaving Kwun Tong Road or Ngau Tau Kok Road will all be changed to pass through the "U turn" at Hoi Yuen Road roundabout. This will increase the traffic pressure on the roundabout in disguise. The relevant arrangements are expected to be implemented in April next year.
After the proposal was released, it drew criticism from netizens and parliamentary districts for fear of "infinite reincarnation".
URA and District Councillors decided to give up after on-site inspections
However, according to the latest documents submitted by the URA, the original plan has been changed.
The URA stated that it had conducted an on-site inspection with the district councillors. At that time, the councillors suggested that they need to avoid increasing the traffic pressure on Hoi Yuen Road roundabout. Therefore, they put forward a new proposal. After the closure of Yu Man Square, additional franchised buses will be installed on the southbound of Hip Wo Street. Change lanes to turn into Wuhua Street without going through the roundabout.
The URA estimates that the new plan is expected to be able to disperse up to 55 franchised buses per hour and reduce the load on roundabouts.
New proposal proposed by the URA (District Council Document)
In order to add a dedicated right-turn lane for franchised buses, a series of works are required, including trial runs of franchised buses; changes to the traffic lights and their positions on the northbound Hip Wo Street, as well as the location of the parking lanes; and changes to the traffic lights and their locations on the eastbound Wuhua Street; Change the traffic lights and their positions on the southbound Hip Wo Street, as well as the position of the stop lines; change the light control program; and change the related traffic signs and road markings.
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