Construction of the Light Rapid Transit (LRT) East Line and Avenida do Nordeste footbridge has caused significant traffic jams and illegal parking problems around the Areia Preta area. Measures such as rolling out road closures in phases are being used to reduce the projects’ impact on surrounding traffic, the Transport Bureau told TDM.
Some on-street parking spaces have been closed on Rua 1 de Maio, while the normally six-lane Avenida do Nordeste has been narrowed to two lanes. Local drivers have complained of the construction barricades and other equipment partially blocking the view of traffic lights and impeding the movement of motorcycles.
“Some drivers are [illegally] parked for a longer period of time… occupying the lane,” said Leung Yan-pong, vice president of the Association of Residents of the Northeast Zone of Macau. He suggested that local police issue an advisory about the problem, while commuters should plan their routes ahead based on relevant guidelines.
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In response to the congestion, the Transport Bureau said that it was closely monitoring the situation. The solutions it has been implementing include temporary relocations of bus stops and it may take additional steps in the future based on the situation on the ground.
According to the Macao Light Rapid Transit Corporation, the LRT East Line will connect Macao peninsula and Taipa. Travelling across the sea, the line will run from the border gate area to the Taipa ferry terminal through the as yet unnamed reclamation areas known as New Urban Zones A and E.
Meanwhile, the Avenida do Nordeste footbridge began construction in the second quarter of this year and will eventually connect to the Avenida Venceslau de Morais. The projects are expected to begin operation in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
