The Tseung Kwan O-Lam Tin Tunnel and the Cross Bay Link have officially opened to the public, with dozens of motorists and cyclists exploring the new route on Sunday.

The toll-free tunnel and the connecting bridge are expected to help commuters save around 20 minutes when they travel between Lohas Park and Kwun Tong during rush hour.

Many Tseung Kwan O residents welcomed the opening, with some seen strolling and biking on the cycle track and footpath of the new bridge. One resident was delighted he could now run down the Cross Bay Link.

“It’s rare to be able to watch such beautiful scenery when I’m jogging. It feels fantastic. Normally, I was only able to run along the harbour. It’s the first time for me to run across a bridge in Hong Kong except during marathons.”

But there have been calls from drivers for road signs on the new transport link to give better directional guidance.

The Chief Driving Examiner at the Institute of Advanced Motorists Hong Kong, Tai Kwok-tong, said: "When drivers get in the tunnel from Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate, there's only a road sign which reads 'Hong Kong East', but it does not indicate whether the direction is to 'Kwun Tong' or 'Yau Tong'. 

“It may confuse drivers on the slow lane," he told RTHK after trying out the new route.

A spokesman from the Transport Department warned that traffic in Tseung Kwan O is likely to be busier than usual, adding that it will take some time for drivers to familiarise themselves with the route.

The spokesman added that motorists should keep an eye on its website and mobile app for updates.

From Monday, five new franchised bus routes will also be using the new tunnel for peak-hour services between Tseung Kwan O and Tai Po, Tsuen Wan, Sham Shui Po, Cheung Sha Wan and Tsim Sha Tsui.

Speaking on a television programme, transport minister Lam Sai-hung said the new road link will effectively ease congestion, adding that he expects it to divert 30 to 40 per cent of the traffic away from the Tseung Kwan O Tunnel.

"I'm very confident that the new tunnel will be able to divert some of the traffic in the area. It's within our expectations. But of course, when a new tunnel is opened, it may take some time for motorists to get used to the new route," he said.

Lam added that authorities will deploy police and traffic assistants to direct vehicles at relevant junctions, and put in place signage to help motorists reach connecting roads and tunnels on Monday.

Meanwhile, writing on his blog, Financial Secretary Paul Chan expressed confidence that the opening of the transport link will make life easier for commuters and logistics companies.

Chan also pledged to push forward other transport and infrastructure projects to improve the SAR's existing road networks.