Pearl Delta Bridge to be constructed

A bridge linking the special administrative regions of Hong Kong, and Macao, and the mainland city of Zhuhai, will begin construction next Tuesday. The project will forge stronger economic and social ties between the west bank of the Pearl River and Hong Kong.

Linking Hong Kong, Macao and Zhuhai, the bridge will span nearly 30 kilometers. It will have a six-lane expressway, and will be able to accommodate vehicle speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour. Currently, a drive from Hong Kong to Zhuhai will take more than three hours. But the bridge will cut the travelling time to just half an hour.

Wai Chi-Sing, Director of Highway Department of Hong Kong SAR, said, "For ordinary people, it will be more convenient when they travel to the mainland. And during the construction period, the project will create various business opportunities for people in Hong Kong, including more job prospects."

The Pearl delta region's economy will surely feel a boost from the bridge, especially its tourism industry.

Tien Peo-Chun, Chairman of Hong Kong tourism Boeard, said, "Currently, foreign travellers usually visit just Hong Kong and Macao. After the completion of the bridge, they will also go to other cities on the mainland. The new multi-destination itineraries will enhance the tourist experience in the region."

The bridge will be completed in 2016. The project will include a main bridge section, with additional links connecting to the airport and city centers. The cost of the bridge is estimated at more than 72 billion yuan, or more than ten billion US dollars.