China
22:04, 30-Nov-2017
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge awaits custom clearance confirmation
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The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, connecting Hong Kong on the eastern bank of the Pearl River to Zhuhai and Macao on the western bank, is now one step closer to operation as officials from the three regions are working on the customs clearance details.
The construction site at the port area of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge on November 30, 2017 / CGTN Photo
The construction site at the port area of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge on November 30, 2017 / CGTN Photo
Yu Lie, deputy director of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Authority, told CGTN that the three local governments have begun discussing the customs process.
The bridge is expected to open to traffic in December, though no precise date has been given. Meanwhile, a public hearing on the expressway toll is reported to have been scheduled for late December.
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge on November 30, 2017 /CGTN Photo
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge on November 30, 2017 /CGTN Photo
A shuttle bus service will also be provided in the three border checkpoints of Zhuhai, Macao and Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Authority, jointly organized by the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong and Macao Special Administration Regions, bears the main responsibility for the construction, operation, maintenance and management of the main works.
The location of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge /CGTN Photo
The location of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge /CGTN Photo
The construction of the main part has been completed, and now the team is working on the interior decoration of artificial islands, which are built between the bridge and the tunnel section. The two artificial islands will also be scenic spots for tourists and for drivers across the bridge to take a rest.
Zhuhai Port, southeast China's Guangdong Province at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge on November 30, 2017 /CGTN Photo
Zhuhai Port, southeast China's Guangdong Province at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge on November 30, 2017 /CGTN Photo
The whole project includes many structures – 23 kilometers of bridges, seven kilometers of tunnels, and a number of artificial islands. With strict quality control, the bridge is expected to have a working life of 120 years. Upon completion, the travel time from Hong Kong to Macao or Zhuhai will be cut from over three hours to just half an hour.