Closure of Old Bridge Affects UM Students
By Carly Vong


"I need to wake up a lot earlier than before after the closure of the Old Bridge," said Linda Lam, a third year university student, "the traffic congestion makes me frustrated."

To improve the parking problem in the Central area, the first Macau-Taipa Bridge (Nobre de Carvalho) was closed down on April 8. The bridge will be closed for about half a year. The construction work will last for about 14 months, aiming to re-organize the traffic circle in front of Lisboa Hotel. At the same time, there are changes of routes in the areas near the construction zone.

Bus companies have made route adjustments during the construction period. Bus numbers like 28A, 33, 26A, 11 and 22 have been rescheduled to use the third bridge (Sai Van Bridge). Furthermore, in order to direct traffic for drivers and pedestrians, Direcção dos Serviços de Solos Obras Públicas e Transportes (DDSOPT), the department that is responsible for public transportation, is continually setting up traffic signs to ensure an easy-flow of traffic.

The close-off of the busiest bridge connecting Macau and Taipa affects especially students of the University of Macau (UM). Angel Lee, a second year student, said nearly half of the time was wasted on the bus detour. "Before I just needed to spend around five minutes on the bus from Macau to the University, but now it takes me nearly 15 minutes," said Lee.

Joanna Cheong, a third year student, claimed that the temporary bus signs are not clear enough. "There is no sufficient information about the changes in bus routes; it makes me puzzled since bus companies should have announced the temporary routes in an earlier time."

"It is very inconvenient since the Old Bridge is the shortest route for me to go to school. However there is nothing I can do now," sighed Juliana Tam, a third year UM student who drives to the University by car. "I must pass through that area everyday, but there are no proper road signs for drivers now, I find it so confusing in finding the correct way."

In 1974, the "Old Bridge", also known as the "Macau-Taipa Bridge", was built. It was the first bridge that connected the Macau Peninsula and the Taipa Island. The bridge was officially named the "Nobre de Carvalho" after President John de Carvalho of Portugal. The bridge is 2,569.8 meters long and 9 meters wide, with a double-lane design. Despite of the building of two more bridges, most bus-lines and drivers still used this bridge because it is situated in a pivotal location.

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