As the Yau Ma Tei section of the Central Kowloon Route handled its first working day smoothly, district councillors called on Monday called for enhanced signage to prevent driver confusion.
Speaking on a radio program today, Kwun Tong district councillor Wilson Or Chong-shing observed a pleasant driving experience, as it only took about five minutes traveling from Kwun Tong to Yau Ma Tei with a speed limit of 80 kilometers per hour.
However, he pointed out the inadequate signage along the bypass.
Drivers often encountered signs only when reaching the roundabout near the Children’s Hospital, which was too late to make informed decisions, he said.
He also criticized the signs labeled “Yau Ma Tei, To Kwa Wan,” noting they could mislead drivers into believing they were still on the old road.
He suggested that signage indicate “Central Kowloon Bypass, Kai Tak Tunnel” for better clarity.
Or also mentioned a lack of exit road signs near Kwun Tong, which could easily lead to traffic incidents.
To improve the situation, he advised placing more signs within the bypass tunnel to help drivers prepare for lane changes in advance.
He urged the government to conduct a thorough review of the signage and facilities to enhance the overall user experience.
Yau Tsim Mong councillor Chris Ip Ngo-tung welcomed the route's role in easing Yau Ma Tei congestion by diverting traffic from overlapping paths to the Cross-Harbour Tunnel via Gascoigne Road Flyover.
However, he warned of potential wrong-lane entries in the Kai Tak to Yau Ma Tei section due to unfamiliarity and advised close monitoring.
