Shek O Road, which was under full closure due to the heavy rainstorm this morning (September 14), has been reopened with limited access since noon today. Red minibuses (RMBs) operating on a designated route and government vehicles are allowed to drive through Shek O Road for emergency use.
A Government spokesman said, "To avoid hindering the emergency maintenance works, Shek O Road has been temporarily closed to other vehicles, including buses and private cars, until the emergency maintenance and road enhancement works are completed by the Highways Department (HyD). Depending on the weather condition and work progress, we aim to reopen one of the traffic lanes to all light vehicles within today."
Some of the temporary repair materials on Shek O Road were washed away by rainstorm this morning. Upon careful inspection and risk assessment, the HyD and the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) deemed it fit to reopen the affected road section with limited access to an RMB route running between Shau Kei Wan and Shek O. However, for the sake of prudence, all passengers are required to alight at the affected road section for drivers to manoeuvre through the section without patrons. Passengers have to walk past the affected section for about 100 metres before boarding the RMBs to continue their trip.
The spokesman said, "The RMB route will only provide limited services, departing from the Shau Kei Wan Station Public Light Bus Terminus and the Shek O Car Park every 30 minutes from noon onwards. Service frequency might increase depending on the situation at the scene and vehicle deployment."
The Government urges members of the public to avoid entering Shek O Road unless it is necessary, to prevent interfering with the progress of the urgent repairing works. Passengers of public light buses should follow the command at the site and be mindful when passing by the road section concerned to ensure safety.
The HyD and the CEDD are carrying out emergency maintenance works at full steam, with a view to reopening one lane for light vehicles as soon as possible in a safe condition to facilitate public access.
Ends/Thursday, September 14, 2023
Issued at HKT 15:30
