Final dolphin tower raised for HZMB span

The third giant dolphin-shaped steel tower of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge was permanently positioned after seven hours of work over the Lingding Sea in the Pearl River Estuary on June 2. This is clear evidence that completion of the daunting tunnel-bridge project is reachable within a year or so.

Constructed by Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group, the final tower weighs 3,000 metric tons and is 105 m tall, about the height of a 35-story building. With all major steel towers of the main bridge structure now in place, and steel box girders about to be installed, all over-water bridge sections are to be linked by September.

Costing nearly 70 billion yuan ($10.6 billion), the 50 km-long fixed sea crossing runs through the Chinese White Dolphin National Natural Reserve. Of seven bridge towers, three are in the shape of white dolphins, symbolizing a harmonious relationship between humans and the dolphins.

The first dolphin-shaped tower was installed last August, and the second was ensconced in January. 

The final dolphin-shaped tower of the Hong-Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is hoisted into position. [Photo/zhtb.cn]