China Opens Longest Mega-Bridge Linking Hong Kong to Mainland

[rainman + 263]

China on Tuesday opened the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge linking Hong Kong to the mainland, a feat of engineering carrying immense economic and political significance.Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over a ceremony in the city of Zhuhai to open the 55-kilometer (34-mile)-long bridge linking it to the semi-autonomous regions of Hong Kong and Macau. Digital fireworks exploded on a screen behind him as leaders of the three cities watched.The $20 billion bridge took almost a decade to build while incurring major delays and cost overruns. It includes an undersea tunnel allowing ships to pass through the Pearl River delta, the heart of China’s crucial manufacturing sector. Its opening will cut travel time across the delta from several hours to just 30 minutes, something China hopes will bind the region together as a major driver of future economic growth. Heavily regulated traffic using permits issued under a quota system will begin flowing on Wednesday. The bridge forms a physical link between the mainland and Hong Kong, an Asian financial hub that was handed over from British to Chinese control in 1997 with the assurance it would maintain its own legal and economic system for 50 years.

 

Edited October 23, 2018 by rainman

[Petar + 76]

This is one of scary bridges that I saw ....

[pinto + 293]

This is what The World needs to be celebrating not tearing down treaty and aiming for arms race

[ThunderBlade + 231]

Such a big and nice bridge! It reminds me of the  "Skybridge" in Malaysia. It's breathtaking.

[damirUSBiH + 327]

 Greece: The Rio-Antirio Bridge

[Dan Warnick + 6,100]

This is a big deal for a large number of joint venture companies operating in Zhuhai and other locales in the nearby area.  The Zhuhai Special Economic Zone has been doing business for about 20 years and is very successful for both partners, in most cases.  It cuts travel time by hours normally, and if there are any traffic problems it can turn into saving a day or more.  This means cargo gets to the airport in Hong Kong for express shipping or in reverse for expedited receiving, not to mention the travel time for employees from both sides of the joint venture.  

 

Edited October 25, 2018 by Dan Warnick

[Dan Warnick + 6,100]

There's a great article with some video at the link below:

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge: 6 things to know about the engineering marvel

[Brian W + 78]

"Hong Kong media also reported that special cameras will monitor bus drivers and alert authorities if they yawn too many times as they drive across. Their blood pressure will also be monitored." 

Wow, they took all the safety measures.