Famous city's huge new £15bn 'ghost' bridge 'abandoned' almost as soon as it opened
Astha Saxena
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB) was inaugurated in 2018
A huge 34-mile bridge worth £15billion that included a road bridge and underwater tunnel has been dubbed "ghost bridge" due to its infrequent use.
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB) was inaugurated in 2018 and connects Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland China.
The 55-kilometre (34-mile) crossing includes a snaking road bridge and underwater tunnel and, links Hong Kong with the southern mainland city of Zhuhai and the gambling enclave of Macau, across the waters of the Pearl River Estuary.
The primary purpose of the HZMB is to enhance connectivity and facilitate economic integration between Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macau.
The bridge provides a direct road link between the three cities, reducing travel time and improving transportation efficiency.
Applicants must be permanent residents of Hong Kong who are also employed in Macau to travel
However, the engineering marvel has been left deserted for most of the parts.
To embark on the scenic journey, travellers must undergo a two-week documentation process, involving obtaining a closed road permit in Hong Kong, acquiring a license plate in Macau, and securing car insurance either in Macau or China.
This documentation process typically requires a minimum of 12 business days to complete. However, even with all permits secured, entry onto the bridge is not guaranteed, as only 150 private cars are permitted access each day.
However, the engineering marvel has been left deserted for most of the parts.
Applicants must be permanent residents of Hong Kong who are also employed in Macau.
The journey involves passing through two border controls, and for those heading to China, drivers must navigate a lane change in the middle of the bridge, as traffic drives on the left in Hong Kong and Macau, but on the right in China, adding further complexity to the journey.
Additionally, the bridge enforces a low-speed limit, and reaching central Macau from the car park can be time-consuming.
As a result of these challenges, the bridge is often deserted.
While the concept of the bridge was initiated by mainland officials, much of the financial burden falls on Hong Kong taxpayers, who would prefer to see funds allocated to education or housing.
Many view the bridge as a means of channeling taxpayers' money to Chinese construction firms, rather than benefiting the local community.
Astha Saxena
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB) was inaugurated in 2018
A huge 34-mile bridge worth £15billion that included a road bridge and underwater tunnel has been dubbed "ghost bridge" due to its infrequent use.
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB) was inaugurated in 2018 and connects Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland China.
The 55-kilometre (34-mile) crossing includes a snaking road bridge and underwater tunnel and, links Hong Kong with the southern mainland city of Zhuhai and the gambling enclave of Macau, across the waters of the Pearl River Estuary.
The primary purpose of the HZMB is to enhance connectivity and facilitate economic integration between Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macau.
The bridge provides a direct road link between the three cities, reducing travel time and improving transportation efficiency.
Applicants must be permanent residents of Hong Kong who are also employed in Macau to travel
However, the engineering marvel has been left deserted for most of the parts.
To embark on the scenic journey, travellers must undergo a two-week documentation process, involving obtaining a closed road permit in Hong Kong, acquiring a license plate in Macau, and securing car insurance either in Macau or China.
This documentation process typically requires a minimum of 12 business days to complete. However, even with all permits secured, entry onto the bridge is not guaranteed, as only 150 private cars are permitted access each day.
However, the engineering marvel has been left deserted for most of the parts.
Applicants must be permanent residents of Hong Kong who are also employed in Macau.
The journey involves passing through two border controls, and for those heading to China, drivers must navigate a lane change in the middle of the bridge, as traffic drives on the left in Hong Kong and Macau, but on the right in China, adding further complexity to the journey.
Additionally, the bridge enforces a low-speed limit, and reaching central Macau from the car park can be time-consuming.
As a result of these challenges, the bridge is often deserted.
While the concept of the bridge was initiated by mainland officials, much of the financial burden falls on Hong Kong taxpayers, who would prefer to see funds allocated to education or housing.
Many view the bridge as a means of channeling taxpayers' money to Chinese construction firms, rather than benefiting the local community.
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Summary
The £15bn Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, completed in 2018, is seldom used and referred to as a "ghost bridge". This 34-mile infrastructure includes a road bridge and underwater tunnel, linking the cities of Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macau. The primary aim was to boost economic integration by