Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge lit up for the New Year

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The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge was illuminated on the New Year's Eve to mark the completion of its main structure.

Once operational, the bridge will cut driving time between the three cities from the current three hours to a mere 30 minutes.

The 55-kilometer-long bridge is the longest cross-sea project in the world.

The project consists of a main body, boundary-crossing facilities in each of the three cities, and three link roads. The main body comprises 23 kilometers of highway, 6.7 kilometers of undersea tunnels and two artificial islands.

The main body of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge was lit./ CGTN Photo

Construction, which started in 2009, has been a challenging process, officials said. Due to complicated geological conditions, there was no precedent to follow. Engineers used the world's largest floating crane to build the undersea tunnels and artificial islands.

Several world records were set along the way:

• Longest sea-based project: 55 kilometers in length

• Deepest undersea highway: 46 meters below sea surface

• Resistant to magnitude 8.0 earthquakes and super typhoons

Design sketch of an artificial island of the bridge project /CGTN Photo

The bridge is seen as a core infrastructure project in the Guangdong-HK-Macao Greater Bay Area, a nine-city cluster in southern China and a strong economic engine in the country.

"The bridge will enhance the connection of the bay area and boost exchange of personnel, goods, information and capital between the three places," Said Yu Lie, deputy director of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Authority. "It also guarantees better transportation, development and integration of the region."

Construction is underway on other parts of the project and it will be some time before the bridge is ready for use.

Issues such as driver qualification, toll collection and customs clearance are still being discussed. A hearing was held on December 21 on the toll to be collected from motorists.