Areia Preta traffic jammed by LRT and footbridge construction

Motorists and residents are facing severe traffic congestion in Areia Preta as construction intensifies on the Light Rapid Transit (LRT) East Line and the Avenida do Nordeste pedestrian footbridge.

The Transport Bureau (DSAT) acknowledged the rising traffic woes caused by these pivotal infrastructure projects. The area, a vital traffic artery linking the Macau Peninsula to Taipa via the Amizade Bridge, and providing access to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, is experiencing significant disruptions, complicating commutes for many.

Changes include temporary closures of on-street parking spaces on Rua 1 de Maio and a reduction of Avenida do Nordeste from six lanes to just two.

The closure of these lanes has led to severe traffic jams and an increase in illegal parking, as drivers occupy travel lanes for extended periods.

Leung Yan Pong, vice president of the Association of Residents of the Northeast Zone of Macau, told local broadcaster TDM that illegally parked vehicles are blocking lanes normally reserved for loading and unloading goods, which is worsening traffic congestion.

Leung urged drivers to plan their routes carefully, especially during peak hours. He also called on authorities to take action, saying, “We suggest the police issue advisories and, if necessary, enforce the law in the short term to improve traffic flow.”

Drivers and residents have also voiced concerns that construction barricades and equipment are partially obscuring traffic signals, creating hazards, especially for motorcycles and unfamiliar drivers.

One driver noted that obstructed signals make navigation challenging, while a pedestrian shared that she must walk further to cross the road because some crosswalks are blocked due to construction.

DSAT said it is collaborating closely with construction teams and traffic enforcement agencies to minimize disruptions and is prepared to adjust its plans as needed to maintain smooth traffic flow.

The solutions it has implemented include phased and zoned road closures, temporarily relocating bus stops on Avenida do Nordeste, and expanding temporary traffic lanes to maintain two-way traffic flow.

The LRT East Line is expected to open in 2027, providing a new transit route between the Macau Peninsula border gate and the Taipa ferry terminal. The line will serve the newly developed Urban Zones A and E.

At the same time, construction is underway on a pedestrian footbridge along Avenida do Nordeste. Work began in early 2025, and the footbridge is set for completion by 2028. Once finished, it will connect to Avenida Venceslau de Morais.