The Central Kowloon Bypass Yau Ma Tei Section has Opened on December 21

The Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section) has opened at 10 a.m. on December 21. Ms. Mable Chan, the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, stated at the opening ceremony that the construction of the bypass has overcome multiple challenges in the urban area. After its opening, the east-west traffic and public transport in Kowloon will be significantly improved.

The opening ceremony of the Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section), Photo by Bastille Post

Ms. Mable Chan, the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Photo by Bastille Post

Ms. Chan pointed out that, during the final stage of the bypass construction over the past few years, the related personnel from the Transport and Logistics Bureau, Highways Department and the Transport Department have repeatedly explained the construction challenges and difficulties, as well as the transportation arrangements to the public. Relevant information has also been disclosed to the public through various channels.

The opening ceremony of the Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section), Photo by Bastille Post

Ms. Chan said that the construction of the Central Kowloon Bypass has three major characteristics: "reaching up to the sky, going down to the ground, and reaching out to the sea". The construction process needs to pass through various busy urban areas and neighbourhoods in Kowloon, including Yau Ma Tei, Jordan, Kowloon Bay and Kai Tak, involving tunnel engineering and a number of complex construction techniques.

She mentioned that during the construction, multiple MTR routes need to be crossed, with the nearest construction distance being only about three meters. More than two thousand underground blasting operations have been carried out. Since the time for some of the construction procedures is extremely limited, the construction team has adopted the application of technology and close teamwork to ensure the safety of the construction and the smooth operation of the city.

The tunnel of the Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section)

In terms of transportation of the bypass, Ms. Chan said that eight franchised bus routes will cover the relevant sections after the opening of the bypass, including three newly established routes and five adjusted routes. The government will continue to optimize public transportation arrangements in a timely manner according to the travel needs of citizens.

The entrance and exit of the tunnel of the Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section)

She also pointed out that the driving time between Yau Ma Tei and Kai Tak will be shortened from about 30 minutes to about 5 minutes after the opening of the bypass, helping to improve overall traffic efficiency and promote the long-term development of surrounding neighbourhoods.

The intersection of Kai Tak of the Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section)

After the opening ceremony, Ms. Chan and the officials present, members of the Legislative Council, District Councillors and other guests boarded the open-top bus to experience the operation of the bypass. Ms. Chan said that since December 22 would be the first working day after the opening of the bypass, eight bus routes will be arranged to pass through the bypass, including three new routes and five existing routes, driving from Yau Ma Tei to Kai Tak.

The intersection of Yau Ma Tei of the Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section)

LONDON (AP) — London’s Oxford Street will be closed to cars, buses and bicycles starting Monday as authorities seek to revive the city’s main shopping street, where the proliferation of souvenir shops and candy sellers has dimmed the allure of what was once the heart of British consumer culture.

From now on, nearly a kilometer of Oxford Street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street will be traffic-free, with vehicles diverted onto surrounding roads. The move is the first step in a makeover of the storied shopping precinct, with plans to plant trees, install seating and add two new public squares.

Oxford Street still sees about half a million visitors a day, with shoppers bustling between retailers such as Selfridges, Zara and John Lewis.

But city officials say turning it into a pedestrian street will put it back into the league of top global shopping destinations like Times Square, the Champs-Élysées and La Rambla.

“This is a momentous day for London, a momentous day for Oxford Street,’’ London Mayor Sadiq Khan told the BBC. “It’s a new era.’’

While local officials began discussing the idea of pedestrianizing Oxford Street more than a decade ago, momentum began to build over the last two years when the mayor’s office created the Oxford Street Development Corporation to shepherd the project. That helped overcome opposition from local residents who complained that diverting vehicles from Oxford Street would clog their neighborhoods with traffic.

A public consultation later determined that removing traffic would attract new shops and visitors to Oxford Street, making it “an iconic destination.”

The project also got a boost from the new Elizabeth express train line, which runs through the heart of the city, with a stop on Oxford Street.

Further work on the makeover will begin in the new year, with city officials refining their plans based on feedback from visitors, Khan told reporters Monday on a rain-soaked Oxford Street.

“In advance of Christmas, you know, I want people to come here and shop and enjoy the experience,'' he said.

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Kwiyeon Ha contributed

A signboard is installed while workers put up barriers and bollards on Oxford Street as the street becomes traffic-free and pedestrianized in London, Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

London's Oxford Street viewed from above, after The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan posed for the media as it becomes traffic-free and pedestrianized in London, Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan poses for the media in Oxford Street as it becomes traffic-free and pedestrianized in London, Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)