Hong Kong authorities will institute sweeping traffic and border controls this Friday, November 8, to facilitate the men’s individual road cycling event of the 15th National Games, the only competition spanning Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. The measures, concentrated on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) and North Lantau, are expected to cause significant delays for travelers and commuters, with restrictions lasting through the early afternoon.

The race, which covers 231.8 kilometers in total, includes a crucial 55.8-kilometer segment through Hong Kong. Cyclists are scheduled to enter the city via the HZMB at approximately 10:20 a.m. and complete the Hong Kong leg within about 90 minutes. The route travels through the HZMB Hong Kong Port, along North Lantau Highway and Penny’s Bay Highway, before looping near Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and returning to Zhuhai.

HZMB Border Crossing Suspension

The most substantial disruption will occur at the HZMB Hong Kong Port. Departure services for both passengers and vehicles heading towards Zhuhai or Macao will be suspended from the early morning.

Key Closures and Restrictions:

• The Departure Hall and Outbound Vehicle Clearance Plaza will close at 6:30 a.m.
• Westbound travel on the HZMB (from Hong Kong to Zhuhai/Macao) will be controlled from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• All cross-boundary public transport on the bridge, including the HZMB shuttle bus (“Gold Bus”), cross-boundary coaches, and the SkyPier Terminal Transfer Coach, will pause during these hours.

“We recognize the inconvenience, but these stringent controls are necessary to ensure athlete safety and maintain international competition standards,” said a spokesperson for the Transport Department, urging the public to use alternative land border control points if possible.

While services at the Hong Kong Port are set to resume after 12:30 p.m., heavy traffic is anticipated. Gold Bus services to and from Zhuhai will face further limitations due to road closures persisting in Zhuhai until around 2:30 p.m.

Lantau Island Road Delays

Commuters relying on North Lantau Highway will also experience significant slowdowns. The Transport Department advises that journeys to and from Hong Kong International Airport via this corridor could take an additional 30 minutes.

Similar delays are forecast for routes serving the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, nearby hotels, and Inspiration Lake. This includes Penny’s Bay Highway, Sunny Bay Road, Magic Road, and Fantasy Road.

Authorities strongly recommend travelers prioritize rail transport, including the Airport Express, Tung Chung Line, and Disneyland Resort Line. Drivers heading to the airport are encouraged to consider the Tuen Mun–Chek Lap Kok Tunnel as an alternative.

Public and Commerce Alerted

Multiple government agencies have been coordinating to minimize the disruption. The Airport Authority has notified airlines to advise passengers to arrive early. Hong Kong Customs has urged logistics operators to reroute commercial freight where feasible.

Community outreach has involved the Islands District Office and local Care Teams distributing leaflets and providing on-site assistance along the route.

Travel agents and hotels have been cautioned to alert guests and avoid organizing cross-boundary tours via the HZMB on Friday. The Hong Kong Tourism Board is also circulating updated guidance to industry partners to facilitate itinerary changes.

Furthermore, a temporary restricted flying zone for small unmanned aircraft (drones) will be enforced within two kilometers of the race route between 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

For those wishing to view the event, a designated public viewing zone will be established on a footpath along Fantasy Road, outside Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Spectators are advised to use the MTR to Disneyland Resort Station.

While Friday focuses on the men’s race, the women’s individual road race on Saturday, November 9, will be confined mostly to Zhuhai, though some ferry services between Hong Kong and Zhuhai will face suspensions on both days. The public should consult the Transport Department’s official traffic notice for full details before traveling.