Opened in October 2018, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge stands as one of the greatest achievements of modern engineering, with a total length of 55 kilometers, making it the world’s longest sea bridge. The ambitious project, which will connect the cities of Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macau, will cost more than 18 billion euros and aims to significantly improve mobility in the Pearl River Delta region in southern China.
The construction of the bridge was not an easy task as it faced geological and climatic challenges. The project includes a 6.7 kilometer underwater tunnel that allows ships to pass without disrupting sea traffic. In addition, two artificial islands were created to support access to the tunnel, explains ‘elEconomista’.
With the new infrastructure, travel time between Hong Kong and Macau or Zhuhai has been greatly reduced and can now be completed in just 30 minutes. This improvement in connectivity not only facilitates daily commuting, but also boosts trade and tourism, contributing to the economic expansion of Zhuhai, one of the least developed cities in the region.
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge is a key component of China’s strategic plan to improve connectivity in the Greater Bay Area, making it a hub for innovation and technology. The infrastructure is estimated to have a useful life of at least 120 years, creating thousands of jobs during and after construction.
However, the project has sparked controversy, with environmental groups criticizing its impact on local marine life, particularly the endangered Chinese white dolphin population.