After delays, workplace deaths and budget blowouts, the world’s longest sea crossing bridge, connecting Hong Kong and Macau to the mainland will open to traffic next Wednesday, according to reports.
The announcement, reported by Apple Daily, comes days after it was revealed the official inauguration ceremony, likely to be officiated by Chinese president Xi Jinping, will take place the day before, Tuesday, October 23.
Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan Fan said the bridge would begin operations at 9am on October 24, according to the outlet, which reported that engineers on the Hong Kong side were still installing road signs.
The 55km bridge and tunnel link will reduce travel times to the mainland and Macau to between 30 and 45 minutes and is touted by China as a major part of its “Greater Bay Area” plans to integrate the region into a economic and technology hub.
Critics, however, have questioned whether the bridge is worth its cost: Hong Kong has reportedly invested HK$120 billion (US$15 billion) in the project, which is two years over schedule.
To use the bridge, private car users must apply for one of 10,000 permits , only 5,000 will be issued before the bridge’s opening, according to the SCMP.
Some 140 shuttle buses will operate along two routes – one between Hong Kong and Macau, and the other between Hong Kong and Zhuhai – at 10 minute intervals, according to the newspaper.
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