Main structure of Gaoxin Interchange and Phase I of Jinqin Expressway north extension have been completed in the Zhuhai National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone (Tangjiawan), aiming for future connection to the upcoming Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link in 2024.

Located at the Gangwan Avenue-Jinqin Expressway intersection on Jinfeng Road, the Gaoxin Interchange will connect with the north extension section of the Jinqin Expressway and Zhongshan's proposed Outer-Ring Express in the north, west line of the Xingye Expressway in the east, and connecting lines of the Beijing-Zhuhai Expressway in the west.

Aerial view of Gaoxin Interchange under construction [Photo by Li Jianshu / Zhuhai Daily]

Upon operation, the new interchange and expressway will form a fast pass in north Zhuhai. Being a two-way six-lane artery with no traffic lights, it will become an easy access for motorists on the Guangzhou-Macao Expressway and Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link heading for Zhuhai's New Xiangzhou, Nanwan, and Jida areas via the Xingye and Jinqin expressways.

Final touches, such as lighting, greening, and road paving, are underway for the interchange to ensure it starts operation concurrently with the north section of the Xingye Expressway later this year.

The 2.15-km (1.34-mile) first phase of the Jinqin Expressway north extension will be an overpass heading towards South Zhongzhuqu Road, while the 2.09-km (1.3-mile) second phase will first go over the Zhongshan-Zhuhai Flood Discharge Channel as a bridge and then go under the Beiwei area as a tunnel before reaching the Zhongshan-Zhuhai border.

The 1.1-km (0.68-mile) underground section is currently named the North Zhuhai Tunnel and expected to begin earth excavation in July. The constructor will have to overcome difficulties like an ultra-deep foundation pit and large sludge thickness as the site is only hundreds of meters away from the coastal line.

The second phase of the Jinqin Expressway north extension will finish construction along with the Shenzhen-Zhongshan LInk in 2024, further supporting Zhuhai's efforts in becoming a national comprehensive transportation hub.