Final section of route linking Yau Ma Tei and Tseung Kwan O to open in December

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 1, 2026

The final segment of Hong Kong's Route 6, including the Kowloon Bay section of the Central Kowloon Route, will open on December 6, drastically cutting travel time between Yau Ma Tei and Tseung Kwan O from about 65 minutes to 12 minutes. This new thoroughfare is expected to ease traffic congestion in East Kowloon and provide a faster, more efficient link across key urban districts.

The final segment of Route 6, a major new thoroughfare in Hong Kong, is scheduled to open on December 6, significantly reducing travel time between Yau Ma Tei and Tseung Kwan O, according to Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan. The opening of the Kowloon Bay section of the Central Kowloon Route will complete the full commissioning of Route 6, which integrates the Central Kowloon Route with the Tseung Kwan O–Lam Tin Tunnel.

Construction of the Central Kowloon Route, a key component of Route 6, began in 2017. The fully operational route will provide a direct connection linking Kowloon West, Kowloon East, and Tseung Kwan O. Officials project that travel time along the entire corridor will drop sharply—from approximately 65 minutes currently to about 12 minutes once the route is in full use.

In recent months, authorities have conducted extensive testing of fire safety equipment and other infrastructure to ensure readiness for opening. Chan confirmed that all preparations are progressing smoothly, with teams working to finalize route systems, public transport arrangements, and related roadworks ahead of the official launch.

The Central Kowloon Bypass, also known as the Yau Ma Tei Section, spans 4.7 kilometers as a dual three-lane trunk road connecting the Yau Ma Tei Interchange in West Kowloon to the Kai Tak Development Area and Kowloon Bay in East Kowloon. It includes roughly 3.9 kilometers of tunnel. Serving as a significant east-west artery through central Kowloon, the route is designed to alleviate congestion on existing roads.

Ringo Lee Yiu-pui, governor and honorary life president of the Hong Kong, China Automobile Association, highlighted the benefits for drivers, noting that the route would offer a more convenient alternative for motorists traveling between Tseung Kwan O and urban districts. He added that Route 6 is expected to reduce traffic on the Kwun Tong Bypass, a heavily used link between Lam Tin and Kowloon Bay.

The introduction of Route 6 aims to enhance connectivity and improve traffic flow across the region, addressing longstanding congestion challenges in East Kowloon.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.