Construction of the Huangmao Sea Channel Bridge will commence in June 2020 now that preliminary field survey results have passed review, according to Guangdong Transport Group.

Experts and representatives determined that preliminary field survey results and the overall design meet specifications. They outlined key tasks in the next phase of survey and design at a review conference on Nov 21 and 22.

The 30-km (18.6-mile) Huangmao Sea Channel bridging will support a dual six-lane highway with designed speed of 100 kmph (62 mph). It will run from the Gaolan Port Economic Zone across the Huangmao Sea to reach Jiangmen's Taishan.

Huangmao Sea Channel, bottom left in red, will connect Greater Bay Area [Photo courtesy nanfangplus]

The sea channel will be connected by highway to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge in the east, while meeting the Guangdong Western Coastal Expressway in Taishan, and lead to the Xintai-Taierzhuang Expressway in Shandong Province in the west.

Seventeen bridges, including two cable-stayed, will be constructed, as will three passages, tunnels through Shishan and Jishan Mts to west of Liyu Reservoir, four interchanges, and one service area.

Upon completion, the bridge will shorten the distance from Guanghai Bay to Macao by 18 km (11 miles), and to Gaolan Port by 30 km (19 miles). The trip from city to city will take less than half an hour.

Meanwhile, it will contribute to connectivity in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and synergic development between the Hengqin Free Trade Zone, Gaolan Port Economic Zone, and Jiangmen's Greater Guanghai Bay Economic Zone.