The Transport Bureau (DSAT) announced yesterday the temporary closure of Rua da Felicidade (“Street of Bliss”, home to Macau’s fabled “ladies of the night” in the not-so-distant past) until Thursday to vehicular traffic in preparation for the upcoming pedestrianisation of the area.
According to a DSAT statement, in conjunction with the Cultural Affairs Bureau’s (IC) implementation of the Rua da Felicidade Pedestrian Zone Project, part of the iconic street will be temporarily closed to traffic during off-peak hours in the daytime until Thursday so the street can be decorated.
The statement noted that the temporary measure started to affect the section of Rua da Felicidade between Travessa do Aterro Novo and Travessa do Mastro yesterday, which will reopen to vehicles after tomorrow, while the section between Rua da Alfândega and Travessa do Aterro Novo will be closed to traffic on Thursday.
The government announced last month that the pedestrian zone, covering Rua da Felicidade, Travessa do Mastro, Travessa do Aterro Novo, Rua do Matapau and Travessa de Hó Lo Quai, will take effect during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays starting, respectively, on Friday and Sunday, featuring cultural and commercial activities, artistic-cultural shows, art installations, catering and leisure, among other attractions.
Starting on Friday, vehicular traffic will only be allowed in the pedestrianised area between 1 a.m. and 10 a.m. every day.
This photo taken yesterday afternoon shows Rua da Felicidade closed to vehicular traffic. – Photo: Yuki Lei
