Pedestrian safety fears in San Po Kong as barriers shrink crossing island during rush hour

A pedestrian crossing in San Po Kong has raised safety concerns after road barriers significantly reduced the size of a central refuge island during Monday’s evening rush hour.

Photos and videos circulated online showed the crossing on Choi Hung Road near Tai Yau Street and Kai Chuen Court overwhelmed by commuters. A large number of red-and-white water-filled barriers placed on both sides of the crossing dramatically narrowed the available waiting space on the island.

Footage revealed pedestrians packed tightly on the shrunken island after crossing the first half of the road. Some were forced to wait close to traffic lanes outside the island, creating a hazardous situation. When the signal turned red, many remained stranded on the cramped island, while others risked running across against the light to avoid being pushed into traffic, forcing buses and vehicles to brake.

Online commenters likened the crowd size to a New Year’s Eve countdown or a Lunar New Year fair, with one recalling being stuck in the middle of the road at 6.30pm. Others complained about short green-light timing and noted that construction in the area has lasted years with little visible progress.