6-hour suspension catches out 1,000 travellers at Hong Kong side of mega bridge

More than 1,000 people inundated the Hong Kong checkpoint of the mega bridge to Zhuhai and Macau on Sunday after cross-border services were suspended for six hours for a cycling test race ahead of next year’s National Games.

The departure hall for passengers and the vehicle clearance plaza at the Hong Kong port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge were temporarily closed from 6.30am to 12.30pm for the race, but many travellers were unaware about the suspension.

The Post arrived at the passenger clearance building at midday and found a long queue had formed at the entrance with hundreds of people waiting. Many were agitated.

The queue included many travellers with luggage, families and various tour groups. Staff used megaphones to direct travellers to the queue and maintain order.

When the checkpoint reopened at 12.30pm, those waiting rushed into the building with some arguments breaking out as people jostled in the queue.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung said the test event went smoothly but he pledged to take more measures in terms of publicity and arrangements.