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Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. An example of sustainable development. About the HZMB project. A series of bridges and tunnels to connect West PRD with Lantau, Hong Kong Length: 29 km 40 mins travel time compared with the present 4-5 hours. About the HZMB project.
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Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge An example of sustainable development
About the HZMB project • A series of bridges and tunnels to connect West PRD with Lantau, Hong Kong • Length: 29 km • 40 mins travel time compared with the present 4-5 hours
About the HZMB project • Estimated construction cost: $5.47 billion • Construction starts in 2009 or 2010 • Completed in 2015
Reasons for the HZMB • To cope with the increasing cross-border demand • To relieve congestion in other cross-border points, e.g Lo Wu • To change the present travel pattern in West PRD which relies heavily on water transport • To enhance economic development in Zhuhai and Macau
Economic benefits of HZMB • Promoting the development of tourism ( more investment opportunities) • Reinforcing Hong Kong's status as an international shipping and aviation center • Better connectivity with the West PRD • Facilitate the industrial growth • Development of Boundary Crossing Facilities (e.g. Shopping centres, recreational facilities etc.)→ job opportunities
Drawbacks of HZMB • High construction cost (HK has to share >50% cost)→ ↑ toll • Competition from the Macau logistics (because cheaper) • ↓export of service (because tourists might buy the goods from Macau) • License limitation → Low traffic flow
Social benefits of HZMB • Perfecting the regional transport network(↓ travel time from 3-4 hrs to 30 mins) • Promoting the socio-economic development of the Pearl River West • Well-linked with the railway and airport • Improving the relations between them, it might lead to further future cooperation
Social costs of HZMB • ↑ cars from Macau → ↑ traffic flow → deteriorate local trafficability • ↑ risk of spreading of diseases from Macau (because easier and more frequent contact between each other) • The construction of the HZMB may need resettlement of residents in San Shek Wan, northern Lantau
Environmental considerations • HZMB Hong Kong link road will not touch any land area of Lantau. It will span across the headland between San Shek Wan and Sha Lo Wan by a viaduct (X affect the environment) • Tunnels are used to minimize visual impact
Environmental impacts of HZMB • ↑ cars from Macau → ↑ traffic flow → ↑ risk of traffic congestion → air pollution → environmental degradation • Noise pollution from heavy cross-border traffic • Water pollution is caused during construction work as dredging of sea bed is necessary • spoil natural beauty of Lantau Island
Inspection facilities • 2 options: one in the east of Chek Lap Kok Airport, opposite to Tung Chung New Town • Another in the west of Chek Lap Kok Airport, near present delta area of Tung Chung river