HONG KONG — A critical new segment of the Central Kowloon Route (CKR) opens Sunday, December 21, dramatically shortening peak-hour travel times between Yau Ma Tei and Kowloon Bay from an arduous 30 minutes to a mere five minutes. The Yau Ma Tei section of the bypass, covering 4.7 kilometers, is expected to significantly relieve long-standing traffic congestion across central Kowloon, according to an announcement by Chief Executive John Lee.
This initial phase of the CKR features a crucial 3.9-kilometer tunnel designed with three lanes in each direction. It links the Yau Ma Tei Interchange in West Kowloon directly to the Kai Tak Development Area and Kowloon Bay in East Kowloon. The bypass promises to ease the severe strain on main east-west arteries, including busy thoroughfares like Lung Cheung Road, Argyle Street, and Prince Edward Road West, benefiting adjacent districts such as Wong Tai Sin and Ho Man Tin.
Addressing Kowloon’s Traffic Bottlenecks
The city’s government has actively touted the comprehensive nature of the project, predicting a substantial enhancement of the overall road network efficiency throughout the Kowloon Peninsula. The western ingress and egress points of the new route connect directly to key infrastructure like the West Kowloon Highway and Lin Cheung Road, offering quicker access for drivers heading toward Hong Kong Island (west), Kwai Chung, Lantau Island, and Tsim Sha Tsui. Meanwhile, the eastern access points connect to the Kai Tak Interchange, providing streamlined routes to Kowloon Bay, the Kwun Tong Bypass, and the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.
Officials project that once fully operational, the CKR will distribute traffic flow more evenly, specifically reducing the burden on congested roads like Boundary Street and Prince Edward Road West.
Toll Structure and Timeline
While the Yau Ma Tei segment opens this month, the full bypass, known as the Central Kowloon Route, is expected to be completed next year. The government confirmed in July that the unified toll upon full operation will be HK$8, a reduction from the initial proposed HK$10.
Authorities are focused on ensuring the successful integration of the “HKeToll” electronic collection system across the entire route. They aim for the system to be fully operational concurrently with the final segment (the Kowloon Bay section tunnel) opening next year, with toll collection scheduled to commence around mid-2026 once the entire CKR is completed.
Engineering Marvel Beneath the City
The construction of the Central Kowloon Route represents a significant engineering challenge. Its alignment passes directly beneath densely populated districts including Yau Ma Tei, Jordan, and Kai Tak, famously navigating underneath seven existing MTR subway lines. The complexity of the work necessitated advanced technology and digital modeling to ensure structural integrity and community safety.
The Highways Department confirmed that construction teams had successfully employed sophisticated methods to relocate essential public utilities and manage temporary land reclamation while safeguarding nearby historical structures, reflecting the monumental scale and sensitivity of the project.
Currently, contractors are finalizing crucial system tests and operational drills, working alongside various government departments and the tunnel management company to ensure a smooth transition before the December 21 commencement of traffic. Specific details regarding the initial operational logistics are expected to be released in the coming days.
The partial opening marks a significant step forward in Hong Kong’s ongoing effort to modernize its core infrastructure, promising concrete relief for the region’s persistent east-west commuter woes.
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