The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge will be closed for up to five hours on Nov 8 for the cross-boundary cycling race of the upcoming 15th National Games – the only event that will physically traverse all the three regions co-hosting the Games – Guangdong province, Hong Kong and Macao.

Authorities in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region pledged on Tuesday to minimize disruptions to traffic, urging members of the public to plan their trips wisely.

The men’s individual cycling road – to be held a day before the 13-day Games kick off in the Guangdong provincial capital, Guangzhou, on Nov 9 – will be among the highlights of the nation’s premier sporting tournament, with thousands of athletes competing in 34 events.

ALSO READ: Lee to cheer on HK’s record 600-strong team to National Games

Yeung Tak-keung, head of the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong), said the 231.8-kilometer race, which will start at Zhuhai Museum at 9am, reflects the deep integration of the three regions.

The competitors will proceed through the Macao SAR before entering Hong Kong via the HZMB. They’ll then travel along the North Lantau Highway, pass Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and turn back. Retracing their path, the cyclists will return to Zhuhai via the mega bridge, with the race expected to end at the starting point around 2:30 pm.

The bridge’s eastbound carriageway (towards Hong Kong) will be closed from 9am to 12:30pm on Nov 8, while the westbound carriageway (towards Zhuhai and Macao) will be closed from 7:30am to 12:30pm.

Yeung said all vehicle traffic will be prohibited during these periods. Passengers and vehicles must arrive at Hong Kong Port not later than 6:30am for immigration and Customs clearance before the closures, or use other crossings.

The closures will also disrupt cross-boundary bus services that are expected to resume gradually from 12:30pm.

Additionally, dynamic traffic controls will be in effect on roads near Lantau Island when cyclists are expected to be on the Hong Kong section of the route between 10:20am and 11:50am. This will affect traffic on the North Lantau Highway and access to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, as well as Hong Kong International Airport.

Yeung urged members of the public to plan their trips early, allow for extra time and use rail services whenever possible.

“It’s hoped that the public and stakeholders are aware of the arrangements and plan their journeys in advance. They should avoid traveling in private vehicles when heading to destinations like Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Tung Chung and the airport,” he said.

According to Yeung, the only stand for spectators will be set up at the Disneyland resort as other sections of the Hong Kong route will be on highways or prohibited boundary areas.

A women’s cycling race will also be held in Zhuhai on Nov 9 and travelers have been warned that mass traffic controls there would affect cross-boundary bus services.

Contact the writer at  lilei@chinadailyhk.com