The design and investigation work of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge's main body started on March 13, according to a contract signed in Zhuhai by the representatives of the three sides.

This 29.6 km bridge links the artificial island off Macao and the eastern artificial island of Hong Kong, and houses seabed tunnels and a six-lane expressway. "It is the most complicated project in communications construction in China at present,” said Lin Ming, Chief Engineer of China Communications Construction Co., Ltd, "a total of 400 holes need to be drilled, with a deepest one of 120 meter. The work needs 50 ships and 20 sets of equipments."

Guangdong Government sources said every day the province sees a total of 18200 freight vehicles and 1177 passenger vehicles entering or leaving Hong Kong, while 883 freight vehicles and 354 passenger vehicles entering or leaving Macao at present.

The bridge will shorten Hong Kong-Zhuhai drive from four hours to only half an hour. It will serve as an important channel linking Hong Kong, Macao, Zhuhai and the west Pearl River Delta region.

At present only around 50,000 across-border license plates have been granted. Zheng Tianxiang, a Professor from Sun Yat-Sen University advises releasing short time license plate, to encourage one or two days trip.

It is expected that the daily throughput of the bridge will be 50,000 to 60,000 vehicles and 230,000 to 250,000 passengers by 2035.

The project has raised the Hong Kong environmental groups' concern on the ecological system near the island for it is the major feeding ground for white dolphins.

Wai Chi-sing, Hong Kong Director of Highways said the Hong Kong government has made necessary environmental and engineering studies. An environmental impact assessment of the island will be completed by June.

The overall investment for the 120-years-designed-life-expectancy bridge is estimated over 70 billion RMB.

Editor: Yan