QUEENSWAY at Admiralty in Hong Kong’s city center, which had been blocked by Occupy Central protesters, was reopened to traffic at 2 p.m. yesterday, following a clearing of barricades by police.

    Police began removing blockades on all lanes yesterday morning in Admiralty as the student-led occupation of main roads in the heart of city entered its third week.

    Hundreds of police, some carrying chainsaws, participated in the action. The police said they plan to reopen both tram lanes.

    Dozens of police personnel with shields stood by while others rapidly dismantled barricades thrown up overnight by protesters after clashes Monday. The police also used a truck-mounted crane to remove bamboo scaffolding from the road.

    The protesters had reinforced their defenses there following clashes Monday with groups opposing their movement.

    Fred Tsui, senior superintendent, said the new structures were extremely dangerous and would block the passage of emergency vehicles. He said the operation wasn’t aimed at removing protesters, but if they tried to resist with force, they could face arrest.

    There were few protesters seen during the police action.

    (Xinhua)