Macau authorities are noting a shift in their policy towards transit between the peninsula and Taipa during Typhoon 8s, indicating that one bridge will remain open – depending on conditions.
This signals a major change from before, as previously any transport between Macau and Taipa (which then leads to the Cotai Strip) would be cancelled after the lifting of the T8 signal.
Authorities indicate they will now allow ‘limited access’ to the Macau Bridge, connecting Taipa’s Pac On district (close to Cotai) to Macau (nearby the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge), limiting transit to the central lane in each direction.
Speed is also limited to 60 kilometers per hour, with only medium-size passenger vehicles and authorized vehicles.
This will only apply to the Macau Bridge, with Macau’s other bridges not allowing any transit (except for the lower part of the Sai Van Bridge under select circumstances).
This also does not apply to the HKZM bridge running between Macau, Zhuhai and Hong Kong.
The news comes as Macau was rocked by yet another T8 typhoon over the weekend. It also comes after a T10 blasted the territory last week, resulting in the closure of casinos after the T8 signal was lifted.
It’s unsure what Macau’s policy will be in regards to future casino closures depending on the signal and expected intensity or duration.
Typhoon Ragasa did result in the closure of casinos, while Typhoon Matmo did not, despite authorities sending teams to inspect casino and hotel facilities to ensure safety.
Analysts have lamented the effect the recent (and possibly upcoming) typhoons have had on the territory’s gaming revenue, after a record year, pushing down estimates for the fourth quarter.
