Hong Kong’s new Fanling Bypass opened Sunday, marking the first major transport infrastructure to come into service as part of the ambitious Northern Metropolis development project, officials said.
The four-kilometre Eastern Section of the bypass connects the edge of Tai Po on Fanling Highway to a new town in Fanling North, offering commuters an estimated 10-minute time saving during peak hours.
Civil Engineering and Development Department chief engineer Pakin Cheung said the opening day went smoothly, attributing lighter-than-expected traffic to the day of the week.
“It’s Sunday, so most residents might have been testing the new bypass out, to head towards the urban areas in Kowloon,” Cheung told public broadcaster RTHK. “They benefited from using the bypass to reach the Fanling Highway quicker.”
Cheung cautioned that conditions could change as the working week begins. “As for Monday, the first working day of the week, we expect the traffic to be busier, so motorists may need more time to get used to new entries and exits along the bypass,” he said.
DAB lawmaker Yiu Ming, who represents New Territories North, urged drivers to pay close attention to new road markings, noting that some sections previously permitting lane changes are now marked with solid lines.
Early users of the bypass offered broadly positive reviews, though some noted the road may require minor adjustments. A driver surnamed Man, a resident of Ping Che, said the new route delivered on its promise of cutting travel time.
“The new road is quite good,” Man said. “It saved some time, because you don’t need to go through the old routes that have a lot of traffic lights. So I very much look forward to the first working day, hopefully this bypass can help residents in the district.”
Other motorists said the bypass’s full impact would likely be felt further down the line. With the Northern Metropolis development expected to bring a significant influx of new residents to the area, many drivers described the route as a critical piece of infrastructure for the region’s future.
The Northern Metropolis is a large-scale urban development initiative aimed at transforming Hong Kong’s northern border region into a major residential and economic hub.
