Northern District Marathon prompts special traffic and transport arrangements on 1 November
Hong Kong's Transport Department has announced temporary road closures and public transport changes for the Northern District Marathon on 1 November. Roads will reopen in phases by 3pm, while rail services will start early. Drivers are advised to plan ahead.
The Transport Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has announced special traffic and transport arrangements for the Northern District Marathon on 1 November. The three main events – full marathon, half marathon and 10km race – will start at Shek Mun, Hong Kong Science Park and Fanling Bypass respectively, with all finishing at Fanling Bypass.
According to the event schedule, the affected roads will reopen in phases. The area around On Lai Street in Shek Mun is expected to reopen at 8am. Lung Shan Tunnel (northbound) is expected to reopen at about 11am, while Fanling Bypass (southbound) is expected to reopen at about 3pm.
During the road closures, seven franchised bus routes (Citybus routes B7, B8, 79, 79X and KMB routes B9, B9A and 78S) and two green minibus routes (routes 67A and 811A) will be diverted, shortened or suspended in phases until roads reopen. To support the event, MTR East Rail Line (between Hung Hom and Sheung Shui) and Tuen Ma Line (between Tai Wai and Wu Kai Sha) will start their first services early on 1 November. The first East Rail Line train from Hung Hom to Sheung Shui will depart at 4.20am.
Due to the closure of Lung Shan Tunnel (northbound), vehicles travelling from Fanling Highway to the Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point and Sha Tau Kok will need to use Sha Tau Kok Road (Lung Yuek Tau and Ma Mei Ha sections). The Fanling Highway bus interchange near the Lung Shan Tunnel slip road entrance (northbound) will also be suspended until the tunnel reopens at about 11am. The southbound Lung Shan Tunnel will operate normally.
Due to the closure of Fanling Bypass (southbound), vehicles travelling from North District town centre to Kowloon will need to use Ma Ko Road. The northbound Fanling Bypass will operate normally.
The Transport Department urged the public to note the temporary road closures and public transport changes for the day. People should plan their journeys in advance, use rail services where possible and allow extra travel time. Those heading to the Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point should plan ahead to avoid delays. Drivers are advised to avoid the affected areas. The Transport Department and the police will closely monitor the traffic situation and may implement additional temporary measures depending on conditions, including adjusting road closure areas and changing or suspending public transport services.
