Hong Kong Commuters Endure Another Day Of Misery

Transport across Hong Kong remained disrupted for the fifth straight weekday with the transport department shutting down the Cross Harbour Tunnel while train, bus and tram services continued to be crippled.

Across Hong Kong, some major roads remained barricaded by anti-government protesters, especially those near universities.

As several toll booths were set alight at the Cross Harbour Tunnel near the Polytechnic University, traffic on the other two tunnels – the Eastern and Western crossings – remained congested.

Students at the Chinese University had announced at 3am that they would reopen one lane each way of Tolo Highway from 6am. But the highway remains officially closed, with police saying many lanes are still littered with shattered glass and other assorted debris which would pose a "serious threat" to safety.

The police said in a statement that government workers are trying to clear the road blocked by "rioters" but their work was was being threatened by people shooting arrows and throwing things at clearance workers.

The East Rail line was completely shut down at one point on Friday morning after petrol bombs were thrown at Kowloon Tong station, but services between Hung Hom and Fotan resumed at around 11.30am. At Tin Shui Wai station on the West Rail, there were scuffles between commuters and protesters who tried to stop a train from departing.

Several MTR stations are closed, including Tuen Mun, Tung Chung, Sai Wan Ho, Tseung Kwan O and Mong Kok.

In a statement, the Transport Department said buses will provide only limited services due to safety concerns. It also said tram services will only be provided between Kennedy Town and Sai Wan Ho.

The major roads affected include Pok Fu Lam Road between Pokfield Road and Bonham Road, Chatham Road South near the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Argyle Street near Sai Yee Street, Nathan Road between Dundas Street and Mong Kok Road and Cornwall Street between Waterloo Road and Tat Chee Avenue.

The government also said about 210 sets of damaged traffic lights are under urgent repair in various districts.

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