This project, known as the HZMB Main Bridge, will connect Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macau in China by crossing the Lingdingyang Channel. The main catalyst for undertaking this major project was the poor communication between these three regions.
The project consists of a viaduct, with a three-lane highway in each direction, and a underwater tunnel more than 6 kilometers long, which allows ships to navigate without any disruption to their traffic. The project also includes the construction of two artificial islands.
The Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Expressway will have a length of more than 50 kilometers, improving the existing connection between the three points, as this was the main reason for the construction of the HZMB Main Bridge. This will promote the economic development of the three regions and create new opportunities for job creation.
The project is designed to withstand the harsh conditions in the area: it is capable of withstanding strong earthquakes, measuring about 8 on the Richter scale, and withstand winds of 200 kilometers per hour.
Construction began in late 2009, and it is estimated that the project could be completed and put into service in 2017. The The viaduct's service life is about 120 years, approximately.
The approximate cost of the project amounts to 73 billion yuan, which is equivalent to about $10.7 billion.
