Three cross-boundary infrastructure projects will open on January 19, to facilitate the flow of passengers and goods between Hong Kong and the Mainland.

The new boundary bridge between the Lok Ma Chau and Huanggang Control Points will be opened to southbound goods vehicle traffic (coming into Hong Kong) from 10am and to northbound goods vehicle traffic (towards Shenzhen) from 11am.

The new boundary bridge between the Sha Tau Kok and Shatoujiao Control Points will be opened to traffic at 10am on the same day. The extended portion of the Lo Wu Cross-boundary Footbridge will be open for use from 6.30am that morning.

The Sha Tau Kok crossing will have a new two-lane boundary bridge, to the west of the existing bridge. Upon opening on the morning of January 19, the new bridge will be used exclusively by northbound traffic while the existing bridge will be used by southbound traffic only.

The project will improve the manoeuvring of northbound vehicles, particularly heavy vehicles, on the Shenzhen side of the crossing and add to the capacity of the existing bridge.

Southbound, northbound traffic segregated

By segregating southbound and northbound traffic, traffic flow and safety will be enhanced. Northbound goods vehicles are advised to keep to the left traffic lane and passenger vehicles to the right lane on the new bridge.

The new dual two-lane boundary bridge at Lok Ma Chau runs side-by-side to the east of the existing dual two-lane boundary bridge. When opened to traffic, the new bridge will be used exclusively by goods vehicles, while the existing bridge will be used by passenger vehicles only.

Passenger vehicles, including private cars, may continue to make use of an existing one-lane flyover at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point to access the northbound carriageway of the existing bridge.

Speed limit set at 50kph

The speed limit on both the Lok Ma Chau and Sha Tau Kok new boundary bridges is 50 kilometres an hour, the same as that on the two existing boundary bridges. Motorists using the two crossings should follow the new signage and directions of the Control Point staff on site.

Following the completion of the improvement works, the entire Lo Wu Cross-boundary Footbridge will be enclosed with glazing and cladding and widened by seven metres, offering a more comfortable environment for cross-boundary travellers.