China News Insights (只有英文版本)

The Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge The World's Longest Bridge/Tunnel Sea Crossing

February 2013

Scheduled for completion in 2016, the Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge will provide a direct link between Hong Kong and the western bank of Pearl River Delta (PRD), reducing travel time between Zhuhai and Hong Kong by as much as 80%. (Endnote 1)

Once completed, the bridge will be the longest bridge-tunnel in the world with a total length of 42 km (26 miles) with 35.6 km (22 miles) over sea. (Endnote 2)

The unique design of the bridge will begin at both Macau and Zhuhai at the western side of the Pearl River Delta and at Hong Kong on the eastern side, with portions of the structure being supported by artificial islands.

The bridge tunnel will cross the mouth of the PRD much like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel crosses the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay on the east coast of USA.  The design allows the world’s largest container vessels unimpeded access to Hong Kong and western Shenzhen terminals such as Da Chan Bay.

This major cross-boundary infrastructure project is the result of the close cooperation of the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Macao Special Administrative Region (Macao SAR).

The project falls under the  “The Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta (2008 to 2020)”  released by the National Development and Reform Commission in December 2008. (Endnote 3)   The support of the State Council has accelerated the reform and development in Pearl River Delta regions.

Endnotes:

1) Source: HongKong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) – Hong Kong project website 
http://www.hzmb.hk/eng/benefits_transportation.html

2) Source: HongKong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) – Hong Kong project website
http://www.hzmb.hk/eng/about_uniqueness.html

3) Source: The Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta (2008-2020) on The National Development and Reform Commission website, 
December 2008
http://www.provost.cuhk.edu.hk/prvo/provost_media/academic_initiatives/PDR_Framework_Eng.pdf