After nine years of construction, the Hong Kong -Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HKZM) officially made its debut with a grand opening this week.
Spanning 55km across the Pearl River Estuary, HKZM is a series of interconnecting bridges and tunnels, supported by a small artificial island, and said to be the longest bridge and tunnel sea crossing in the world.
Dr Peter Lam, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, said: ?Following last month?s commencement of the High Speed Rail Hong Kong Section, which connects Hong Kong to the Mainland?s High Speed Rail network and further reinforces our position as China?s southern most gateway, the opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge marks a significant milestone in the establishment of a one-hour living circle in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and creates new opportunities for tourism development in the region.?
Dawn Page, director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board for the UK and Northern Europe, added: ?The opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge solidifies Hong Kong?s position as a transportation hub within Asia. Our city easily connects travellers with neighbouring cities in the mainland, and provides other access opportunities for those already in China.?
The bridge has been designed as a pivotal land transport link between Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao and includes a dual three lane carriageway starting from an artificial island near Hong Kong International Airport to the eastern shores of Macao.
Designed to last 120 years, HKZM will cut land transport time between Hong Kong and Macao to just 45 minutes, down from four hours. It is situated on Lantau Island, close to the Hong Kong International Airport and within easy reach of Hong Kong?s tourist attractions.
Visit www.hzmb.hk/eng/index.html to learn more.
