On November 24, 2024, cross-border services at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge were suspended for six hours, from 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM, due to a cycling test race for the upcoming 2025 National Games. This unexpected disruption affected over 1,000 travelers, leading to long queues and significant agitation among those trying to cross the border [ab6c9677].
The cycling race, which included a 55.8 km section in Hong Kong, necessitated traffic controls that contributed to additional travel delays. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, acknowledged the need for better publicity and arrangements for such events to minimize inconvenience to the public [ab6c9677].
The shuttle services across the bridge resumed at 12:30 PM, with bus services to the airport following at 2 PM, allowing travelers to continue their journeys after the disruption [ab6c9677]. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in managing transportation logistics in Hong Kong, particularly as the city experiences a resurgence in travel following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
In a related context, Hong Kong's Director of Immigration, Benson Kwok Joon-fung, recently announced considerations to extend the hours of border checkpoints due to a significant increase in overnight traffic, which is nearing pre-pandemic levels. On August 25, 2024, the city recorded 1.2 million trips, surpassing the previous record of 1.19 million set in 2017 [1ee5cf18]. As authorities weigh options for improving border operations, the recent suspension at the bridge underscores the necessity for effective planning and communication to accommodate the growing number of travelers [ab6c9677].