HK grapples with severe traffic jams as Golden Week draws massive crowds

As Hong Kong welcomed over 600,000 visitors in the first three days of the National Day Golden Week, the city faced severe traffic congestion across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, with long queues forming at popular tourist spots. 

Social media buzzed with frustrated commuters seeking answers for the gridlock, speculating about possible accidents, the influx of tourists, or even the recent Mid-Autumn Festival as contributing factors. 

One commuter, typically arriving in Causeway Bay by 6.40pm, found themselves stuck in Ho Man Tin past 7.15pm on Friday.

Tourist surge overwhelms popular districts

The influx of tourists during the Golden Week holiday significantly strained the city’s transport network, particularly in traditional tourist hubs like Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui. 

The concentration of visitors, many traveling via tour buses or ride-hailing services, led to frequent pick-up and drop-off activities that clogged roads. 

Hong Kong, China Automobile Association honorary life president Ringo Lee Yiu-pui noted that Friday marked a peak for inbound free independent travelers, many lingering after viewing the National Day fireworks or arriving as part of new tour groups, further intensifying the congestion in these bustling areas.

Road closures and high traffic volumes

DAB lawmaker Ben Chan Hang-pan, caught in the traffic himself, highlighted multiple factors behind the chaos. 

He pointed to Friday’s naturally high traffic volume, worsened by intermittent closures on the Central-Wan Chai Bypass, which forced vehicles onto already crowded surface roads. 

This redirection created bottlenecks, particularly in areas unaccustomed to handling such heavy traffic flows, contributing significantly to the gridlock experienced across the city.

Infrastructure challenges and proposed solutions

The city’s decades-old road network struggled to cope with the surge in demand, despite recent improvements like the Central-Wan Chai Bypass. 

The association representative noted that significant road expansion remains limited, and unregulated ride-hailing vehicles stopping in restricted zones added to the chaos. 

To address these issues, suggestions included adopting AI-powered traffic light systems and implementing tidal flow arrangements at cross-harbor tunnels to better manage traffic during peak periods, alongside redirecting vehicles to less congested areas.

Economic boost amid traffic woes

While the heavy traffic reflects robust economic activity driven by tourist spending on dining, hotels, and luxury goods, the association representative cautioned against equating gridlock with prosperity.

He acknowledged that congestion indicates a vibrant city but emphasized that it is a global urban challenge, not a definitive sign of economic success. 

The Transport Department responded by issuing alerts through its mobile app, urging residents to use alternative public transport options as roads became heavily congested.