New Huanggang Port Bus Drivers Warn of Slippery Road Conditions; Gov't Vows Quick Fix
HK01 · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
Bus drivers participating in operational drills at the new Huanggang Port have reported dangerously slippery road surfaces at the public transport interchange, describing conditions as akin to driving on ice. A senior civil engineer has identified the likely cause as self-leveling mortar—a material more commonly used in indoor parking lots—being applied to bus lanes. The government confirmed on Thursday that the Highways Department is implementing improvement works, including the application of anti-slip coatings, with completion expected in the near term to coincide with the port's opening.
Key Points
- Bus drivers reported that the road surface at the Huanggang Port public transport interchange is so slippery that buses "slip even without accelerating"
- During an August 22 stress test in rainy conditions, buses experienced fish-tailing when exiting the interchange onto open roads
- Two buses lost front-wheel traction within five minutes of arriving at the interchange during drills
- Senior civil engineer Ngai Hak-yan (倪學仁) identified self-leveling mortar—common in indoor parking lots—as unsuitable for bus lanes due to insufficient friction
- The Highways Department confirmed it is applying anti-slip materials to concrete surfaces at the interchange, with works expected to complete shortly
Why It Matters
The safety concerns come as the new Huanggang Port, which officially came under Hong Kong jurisdiction following the Hong Kong Port Area Ordinance effective late July, prepares for full operation. With large-scale stress tests already underway involving public buses and tourist coaches, the timely resolution of road safety issues will be critical to ensuring smooth passenger flow and preventing accidents once the port opens to the public .
The safety concerns come as the new Huanggang Port, which officially came under Hong Kong jurisdiction following the Hong Kong Port Area Ordinance effective late July, prepares for full operation. With large-scale stress tests already underway involving public buses and tourist coaches, the timely resolution of road safety issues will be critical to ensuring smooth passenger flow and preventing accidents once the port opens to the public .