The toll booths are open, the tour buses packed, the wait is finally over. After 6 years of design and nearly 9 years of construction, the world's longest sea-based project, the Hong Kong Zhuhai Macao bridge, opens to traffic on Wednesday. It marks a new chapter of regional integration in China's Greater Bay Area. CGTN's Cui Hui'ao reports.

The first batch of tourists ever to use the Hong Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge. An hour before its official opening, this tour bus arrived at the mega-bridge's border checkpoint. Taking photos and snapping selfies, tourists are more than excited about being part of history.

WEI LUOLING ZHUHAI TOURIST "Words can't express my feelings right now. I'm about to witness the world's most advanced project. I got up this morning at five and I am taking the cross-border bus to Hong Kong Disneyland."

XU WEIPING ZHUHAI TOURIST "As a local from Gongbei District, I've waited decades for this bridge to open. Finally we are here. The bridge makes day trips possible. Travel has become so much easier."

Over 500 inspection officers are on duty to ensure a smooth first day. Inspection facilities also underwent two rounds of pressure tests before the opening.

HE FENG, DIRECTOR HZM BRIDGE IMMIGRATION INSPECTION STATION "All 140 lanes of customs clearance channels at the Zhuhai port will be fully operational. We expect more than 30 thousand people to travel from Zhuhai port to Hong Kong today and those numbers should pick up later in the week."

The bridge, artificial islands and underwater tunnel will all serve as a vital link across the Pearl River Delta region much like a silver thread holding together a string of pearls. With an expected life span of 120 years, experts say the bridge-tunnel serves as a core infrastructure boost to the regional development. It will expedite connectivity and make the area a stronger economic engine for China.

LIN WEI, SENIOR ENGINEER OF ISLAND & TUNNEL PROJECT HONG KONG-ZHUHAI-MACAO BRIDGE "There is a saying, a city with a Bay Area but no bridge is like a mansion without an elevator. This bridge will help the regional economy soar. Also, it helps accelerate the formation of the Greater Bay Area of Guangdong Hong Kong and Macao."

CUI HUI'AO ZHUHAI PORT OF HZM BRIDGE "After nearly 9 years of tough construction, the world's longest sea-based project is finally opened to the public. Not only has it set several world records in engineering and innovation, the bridge is also bringing the three regions closer than ever. What's even better is these close ties will continue to drive the economy, and make the Greater Bay Area even greater. Cui Hui'ao, CGTN, Zhuhai."