Leong Sun Iok flags poor condition, lack of lifts on Macau’s footbridges

Legislator Leong Sun Iok has raised concerns over the condition and accessibility of Macau’s ageing pedestrian footbridges, highlighting issues including leaking canopies and a lack of lifts at the Border Gate, while authorities said maintenance works are underway and future LRT development will improve pedestrian connectivity.

Leong raised concerns in a written inquiry over the safety and connectivity of Macau’s pedestrian footbridges. He pointed out that many older bridges suffer from leaking canopies and insufficient shelter during the rainy season, leaving walkways slippery and posing a particular fall risk for the elderly and vulnerable groups. He also noted that past upgrades have largely been piecemeal, failing to link surrounding communities into a coherent walking network.

Citing the Border Gate area as an example, Leong highlighted that two footbridges on the western side of the square have been in use for years but remain disconnected despite being in the same junction, with one still lacking lift access and other barrier-free facilities. He argued that with the LRT Line ES1 station expected to open in 2029 and recent adjustments to local traffic arrangements, the authorities should conduct a comprehensive review and optimise the area’s overall pedestrian system without delay.

In response, Public Works Bureau (DSOP) director Lam Wai Hou said the bureau carries out ongoing maintenance work on footbridges across the city through regular inspections, while also conducting structural assessments of ageing bridges and prioritising repairs and upgrades based on urgency. Regarding the Border Gate area, the government noted in its written reply that the ES1 station currently under construction would be seamlessly connected via pedestrian tunnels and footbridges to the mudflat area off Avenida Norte do Hipódromo, the Border Gate building, and the Praceta do Bom Sucesso community.

Cross-departmental coordination would accompany the LRT East Line’s development to review existing pedestrian infrastructure and implement timely improvements, with the aim of rationalising pedestrian flow at the Border Gate and establishing a convenient and seamless walking network.