On March 13, representatives of the three sides in the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) signed a contract for the preliminary design and studies of the HZMB project in Zhuhai.
The signing of the contract with the China Highway Planning and Design Institute (HPDI), the consortium spearheading the preliminary work, marks a major step forward in the HZMB project.
The HPDI comprises COWI A/S, Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong, Shanghai Tunnel Engineering & Rail Transit Design and Research Institute and CCCC First Harbour Consultants. As a team, they will share information and draw on each other’s expertise in project management, structural design and landscape issues. They will work together to complete the preliminary design that will lay a strong foundation for subsequent construction works.
The main body of the HZMB will be approximately 18.39 miles long. To the west, it will land on the artificial island off Gongbei, and to the east, it will land on another artificial island for the tunnel section. It will be built according to the six-lane expressway standard, with top vehicle speed of 62 mph. To ensure unimpeded marine traffic of the main navigation channels toward the Guangzhou and Shenzhen ports, a tunnel will link the two artificial islands, which will provide bridge/tunnel switching facilities.
Based on the consensus reached earlier over the funding arrangement of the project, the Central People’s Government and the three regional governments will together take responsibility for the construction of the main bridge. Guangdong and the Central Government together will contribute RMB 7 billion (US$1.02 billion). Hong Kong and Macao will contribute RMB 6.75 billion (US$988 million) and RMB1.98 billion (US$289 million), respectively. The total contribution of the three sides will be RMB 15.73 billion (US$2.3 billion), approximately 42% of the total construction cost. The remaining costs will be financed by loans.
The three governments will continue to work toward starting construction by the end of 2009.
The HZMB will further enhance the economic development of Hong Kong, Macao and the Western Pearl River Delta region (Western PRD). It will significantly reduce the cost and time for people and goods traveling between Hong Kong and the Western PRD, accelerate the economic integration of the PRD and its neighboring provinces and increase its competitiveness with countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other economic zones, such as the Yangtze Delta region.
Regarding construction works within the Hong Kong territory, the proposed boundary crossing facilities along the HZMB Main Bridge, together with connecting roads and the Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link as well as the Tuen Mun Western Bypass, will form a strategic road network connecting Hong Kong, Macao and Shenzhen. Hong Kong’s position as transportation and aviation hub will be further enhanced.
Approximately 11,000 jobs will be created during the construction phase of the Hong Kong boundary crossing facilities and the connecting roads.
|
