Transport Bureau (DSAT) Deputy Director Lo Seng Chi warned residents about serious traffic congestion during a press conference yesterday at the Macau Grand Prix Building about the 68th Macau Grand Prix, which will take place between next Friday and Sunday (November 19-21).
Sports Bureau (ID) President and Macau Grand Prix Organising Committee (MGPOC) Coordinator Pun Weng Kun said he estimated that more than 10,000 tickets would be sold for Grand Prix this year, adding that the number of seats had been reduced by 30 percent again this year. However, he added that the number of racers increased from 119 to 133 compared to last year.
MGPOC Infrastructure Subcommittee Coordinator Diamantino Augusto Torrado said that 159 metal barriers and a temporary footbridge will be installed in the area of S. Francisco Garden and nearby flyover, adding that the MGPOC arranged LED display panels and road signs in Avenida da Amizade.
Diamantino said there is a time schedule for installing barriers between next Tuesday and Thursday. Next Tuesday, the installation schedule will start at 3 p.m. in Estrada de Cacilhas, Estrada D. Maria II, and Rua dos Pescadores; next Wednesday the installation schedule begin at 10 a.m. in Avenida da Amizade and Estrada de Cacilhas, and commencing at 3 p.m. in Estrada dos Parses, Avenida da Amizade and Estrada D. Maria II; next Thursday, the installation schedule starts at 10 a.m. in Avenida da Amizade.
The Transport Bureau’s (DSAT) Coordination Department Chief Mok Soi Tou said in his presentation that the first day of the Grand Prix (next Friday) was expected to see the most serious traffic jams. He pointed out that the traffic congestion could be expected to be mostly in roads such as Avenida do Colonel Mesquita, Avenida do Ouvidor Arriaga, Rua de Francisco Xavier Pereira, and Avenida de Sidónio Pais. Therefore, the MGPOC has arranged pick-up and drop-off points for private cars in Travessa da Amizade and Travessa do Reservatório. Mok also said that 50 bus routes will be temporarily affected, pointing out that 49 of them will be adjusted, and one will be suspended.
The Transport Bureau urged the public to pay close attention to the temporary transport adjustments. For enquiries, contact the bureau on 8866 6363.
When reporters asked if racers would be affected due to the current COVID-19 flare-up in the mainland, Pun said that the mainland was recovering from the novel coronavirus pandemic steadily, pointing out that most racers are locals, as well as from the mainland and Hong Kong. He said he was confident that this would have a limited effect on the Grand Prix.
Reporters also asked if COVID test results or proof of vaccination were necessary for staff members, racers and the spectators. Pun responded that all staff members will be either fully vaccinated or tested every 48 hours. For the spectators, he added, they would only need to have their temperature checked and present their Macau Health Code. He also noted that mainland visitors will have to present a COVID-19 negative test result taken within in the seven preceding days before entering the Grand Prix circuit, while the racers and their respective teams will have to be tested every 48 hours.
From left to right, Mok Soi Tou, Lo Seng Chi, Pun Weng Kun, Diamantino Torrado, Leong Wa Chi attend the press conference about traffic arrangements for the 68th Macau Grand Prix. Photo: Ula Cheang
