The government has proposed to install anti-collision facilities at the pedestrian crossing next to SOGO Causeway Bay Store and along the full-time pedestrian street on Paterson Street to prevent intentional vehicle ramming attacks and to minimize the risk of accidents.
The proposal submitted by the Police Force, the Highways Department and the Transport Department to the Wan Chai District Council noted that the pedestrian crossing outside 555 Hennessy Road and the pedestrian precinct on Paterson Street are key pedestrian corridor with heavy foot traffic. It also recorded individual traffic accidents at these locations.
The document argues that, in the face of a potential public safety crisis and to thoroughly eliminate the long-standing risk, installing internationally-certified facilities such as crash barriers or traffic bollards is an “urgent public safety necessity”.
It emphasized that the measure could effectively prevent vehicles from deliberately crashing into the pedestrian area. “It can provide pedestrians with a physical barrier and thereby minimize the potential risk of casualties to safeguard public safety,” it said.
The proposed project, managed by the Highways Department, includes setting up temporary fencing to separate the construction zone, carrying out excavation work necessary for the facilities’ foundations, relocating underground utility lines, installing the anti-collision facilities and restoring or relocating affected street facilities and traffic signs.
Given that the facilities will mainly be installed within the pedestrian area, the project will not affect the driving lanes, though partial temporary closures of footpaths will be required during the construction period.
The estimated expenditure for the project is about HK$5 million, with preliminary site surveys and detailed design work currently underway. The project is expected to commence in the third quarter this year, with a construction period of around three to four months.
The actual schedule will adjust based on site conditions, underground space issues, and weather factors, expected to be completed in the fourth quarter this year.
To reduce the impact on the public, the department will implement related mitigation measures, including segmented construction to minimize the affected areas. The high-noise procedures will be conducted during non-peak daytime.
In addition, the department will set up project notice boards to provide project details and competition timelines. It will closely monitor the construction progress while coordinating with relevant departments to adjust traffic arrangements as needed.
