As the National Day holiday draws to a close, Shanghai police anticipate a significant surge in passenger traffic at the Hongqiao hub, with over 650,000 arrivals and departures projected for October 7th alone. To address this spike, law enforcement is stepping up their traffic management efforts.
During the holiday, traffic police in Minhang have introduced a “small and large loop” traffic management strategy around the hub. When the P9 parking lot reaches full capacity, officers will activate necessary measures, including the small loop and remote diversion tactics, to alleviate congestion during peak times.
Police have announced that traffic control will be implemented at the entrance ramp under the Hongzhai elevated highway. If vehicle backups reach the ramp, the small loop plan will be put into effect, redirecting traffic from Shenggui Road to Xihong Road and onto Shenhong Road, eventually leading to Yonghong Road. Should congestion extend to the main line of the elevated highway, the large loop plan will come into play, directing vehicles through the Shenghu, Yanghong, Shenchang, and Jianhong routes. At key intersections along Shenchang Road, alternating traffic control will be enforced to guide vehicles that can’t access parking lots to nearby roads. Drivers will also have the option to park at the social parking lots in the Hongqiao Business District.
In cooperation with relevant departments, Minhang traffic police have worked with local shopping malls and business establishments to create over 2,300 staggered parking spaces for passenger drop-offs. It typically takes about five minutes to walk from the nearest available parking location to Hongqiao train station.
Captain Qiao Bin of the Minhang traffic police shared, “We expect passenger flow to peak around 10 PM on the last day of the holiday, with instantaneous surges potentially exceeding 30,000. The P9 and P10 parking lots are likely to reach full capacity.” He emphasized that officers will be on high alert to enhance road management. Measures such as restricting U-turns at the intersection of Shenhong and Yanghong roads will be enforced to prevent vehicles from contributing to further congestion along major transit routes.
Even as early as 10 AM, heavy traffic was recorded at the P9 and P10 parking lots. Local police have implemented a “micro-circulation” traffic flow system, adjusting it based on real-time assessments of parking conditions. Surveillance footage is closely monitored to identify critical thresholds, allowing officers to intervene and provide guidance promptly.
By 8 AM on the 7th, additional personnel from the first to sixth traffic police divisions, along with a special task force, were already on-site. During this peak return period, more than 200 officers were deployed across over 40 positions throughout the Hongqiao hub area.
As train schedules increased, passenger arrivals at Hongqiao train station gradually rose in the afternoon, revealing mounting traffic management challenges by 2 PM. In response to the growing influx of taxis and rideshare vehicles, traffic police are implementing level-based control measures that adapt based on parking availability and real-time road conditions.
Authorities also announced that the western extension of the number 71 bus line, particularly the Shengchang Road segment during peak hours, will be accessible to social vehicles when needed. Digital signage has been installed along the route to indicate when “Social vehicles allowed” during busy times, dynamically managing road resources and improving traffic efficiency.