Jams worsen in Kwun Tong after intersection replaces roundabout

Rachael Ng

Commuters in Kwun Tong faced severe congestion on the first working day after a roundabout near the ferry pier that had channelled drivers on their way for 60 years was converted into an intersection, exacerbating the area's notorious traffic problems.

The change, proposed by the Kwun Tong Action Area, was implemented on Sunday, with the aim of increasing intersection capacity and easing traffic conditions.

However, the reality on the ground proved to be the opposite.

The bumper-to-bumper traffic extended all the way to the Kwun Tong Fire Station by 9 am yesterday. The number of lanes on Hoi Yuen Road near the Wai Yip Street junction was reduced from three to two, leading to further gridlock at the intersection.

Traffic police were seen inspecting footbridges and roads to manage the situation.

A bus driver said that the journey from Kwun Tong town center to Kwun Tong ferry pier, usually a few minutes via Hoi Yuen Road, took around 35 minutes yesterday.

The driver anticipated the traffic to become "even more chaotic" when the new school year starts on September 2.

Another driver, Kwok, spent more than 20 minutes on his commute, and suggested that the roundabout might have been a better solution than the intersection.

Minibus driver Lui echoed these sentiments, saying he took half an hour to get from Hoi Yuen Road to the Kwun Tong ferry pier.

Lui criticized the poor road planning in the area and the ineffectiveness of some traffic lights.

The Transport Department acknowledged the traffic challenges and reminded students to allow ample time for their commutes when the new school year begins.

"The department's emergency transport coordination center will be operating at its highest tier, the joint steering mode, on the morning of September 2." a spokesman said.

"Students should familiarize themselves with public transport routes and schedules, especially those attending new schools," he said.

Motorists were also advised to avoid driving to school areas as much as possible.