Hong Kong’s Central Kowloon Bypass Sees First Traffic Accident Days After Opening

Hong Kong authorities have called on motorists to exercise greater care after the newly opened Yau Ma Tei section of the Central Kowloon Bypass recorded its first traffic accident only three days after being opened to the public. The incident has renewed attention on road safety and driver behaviour along one of the city’s most anticipated transport projects.

Police confirmed that the accident occurred at 9.16am on Tuesday along the westbound carriageway towards Kwai Chung. A medium sized truck collided with a private car after the truck changed lanes inside the bypass. No injuries were reported, and both drivers were able to leave the scene without medical assistance. Traffic flow was briefly affected before conditions returned to normal.

Following the incident, the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mable Chan, urged drivers to remain alert and cautious when using the new route. She acknowledged that the opening of major infrastructure often comes with an adjustment period as motorists familiarise themselves with new layouts, tunnel sections, and signage arrangements.

Chan said the Transport Department had acted quickly in response to feedback from road users, particularly regarding the clarity and visibility of entrance and exit signs along the bypass. Additional road markings were installed overnight inside the tunnel and in surrounding areas to improve guidance for drivers approaching lane changes and exits. She noted that authorities aim to strike a balance between providing sufficient information and avoiding visual overload that could distract drivers.

Officials stressed that excessive signage can sometimes create confusion, especially in tunnel environments where reaction time is limited. For that reason, signs will continue to be placed only at locations where drivers have enough distance and time to respond safely. The department said it will continue monitoring traffic conditions and make further adjustments if necessary.

The Central Kowloon Bypass is a major east west transport corridor designed to ease congestion across Kowloon by diverting traffic away from surface roads. The Yau Ma Tei section is a key part of the project, connecting urban areas more efficiently and reducing travel times for commercial and private vehicles. Since its opening, the route has seen heavy usage, particularly during peak hours.

In recent days, several traffic incidents have been reported in the wider area, though most have been minor and unrelated. Transport officials said this pattern is not unusual following the launch of a new road and emphasised that driver familiarity plays a significant role in early safety outcomes.

Authorities are reminding motorists to follow lane markings carefully, avoid sudden lane changes, and reduce speed while navigating unfamiliar sections. As Hong Kong continues to expand and modernise its transport network, officials say cooperation between infrastructure planning and responsible driving remains essential to ensuring public safety.