When it comes to grand engineering projects, road bridges occupy a special place - they connect not only the coasts, but also economies, cultures and millions of lives. Among them, a real giant stands out: Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, HZMB), who has held the title since 2018 the longest sea road bridge in the world. Its total length is 165 kilometers, of which 55 km are over the open sea, and the rest includes artificial islands, tunnels and approaches.
This megaproject cost $20 billion and became a symbol of China's technological progress. But why is it considered the largest? It's not just the length: the bridge united three key regions of Asia - Hong Kong, Macau and Zhuhai — into a single transport network, reducing travel time from 4 hours to 45 minutes. In the article we will look at how it was built, what technologies were used, and why it is called the “eighth wonder of the world” among engineers.
For motorists and travelers, the bridge has become not just a road, but tourist attraction: Travel by private vehicle is allowed here (with special permission), and views of the South China Sea open from above 50 meters. But there are nuances: for example, left-hand traffic on the Hong Kong section and right-hand on the rest of the route. How is it organized? More on this and much more below.
Technical specifications: numbers that amaze
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge is not just a road, but complex of buildings, including:
- 🌉 Main Bridge: 29.6 km (three flights of 15 km each)
- 🏝️ Two artificial islands (100 and 625 thousand m²) for customs points
- 🚇 Underwater tunnel 6.7 km long (depth up to 44 meters)
- 🛣️ Access roads: 120 km (including viaducts and overpasses)
The design is designed for hurricanes up to 340 km/h, earthquakes before 8 points and collisions with ships with a displacement of up to 300 thousand tons. For comparison: the largest ship in the world, Ever Ace, has a displacement of “only” 240 thousand tons. The bridge will withstand even his direct blow!
We paid special attention ecology: In order not to disturb the migration of Chinese white dolphins, part of the route went under water. The tunnel was built using the method immersion tubes — the finished sections were lowered to the bottom and connected with millimeter precision.
Construction: 9 years, 400 thousand tons of steel and unique technologies
Work began in December 2009, and the opening took place October 24, 2018. During this time the following was used:
- 🏗️ 420 thousand tons of steel (enough for 60 Eiffel Towers)
- 🧱 1.08 million m³ of concrete (can fill 400 Olympic swimming pools)
- 👷 14 thousand workers at the same time at the peak of construction
The main problem is soft soils of the Pearl River Delta. To prevent the bridge from sinking, use 224 supports with foundations up to depth 120 meters. Each support weighs 10 Boeing 747!
To assemble bridge sections we used modular method: Parts were fabricated on shore and then transported and welded on site. This made it possible to reduce work time by 30%. And to protect against corrosion, the steel was coated innovative composition based on zinc and aluminum - the service life of the bridge is increased to 120 years.
How was the underwater tunnel built?
Sections of the tunnel, 180 meters long and weighing 80 thousand tons, were made on land, then towed to the installation site. To seal the joints, hydraulic jacks and rubber seals were used that could withstand pressure at a depth of 44 meters.
Route and driving rules: what drivers need to know
The bridge connects three points:
- Hong Kong (Lantau Island) → customs complex on an artificial island
- Macau (Taipa Island) → second artificial island
- Zhuhai (mainland China) → endpoint
Important nuances for drivers:
- 🚗 Permission required: To travel you need a special visa (for foreigners) or permission HZMB Permit (for Chinese residents)
- 💰 Fee: from 150 HKD (~$19) for a passenger car up to 1150 HKD (~$147) per truck
- 🚦 Speed limit: 100 km/h on the bridge, 80 km/h in the tunnel
- ⛽ There are no gas stations — the power reserve must be at least 200 km
Interesting fact: on the Hong Kong site left-hand traffic, and on the rest of the route - right-hand. The transition is organized through loop junction on an artificial island. Installed here for safety LED signs and cameras recording violations.
If you are traveling from Hong Kong to Macau, refuel in advance: the nearest gas station after the bridge is 30 km away in Zhuhai.
Economic significance: how the bridge changed the region
Before the construction of the bridge, travel between Hong Kong and Zhuhai took 4 hours (including ferries and border controls). Now it's 45 minutes - in 5 times faster. Economists estimate the effect for the region at $100 billion in 10 years thanks to:
- 📈 Increased trade: the volume of cargo transportation increased by 30%
- 🏗️ Real estate development: Housing prices in Zhuhai increased by 20% in a year
- 🚢 Reducing load on ports: cargo is now transported by land
The bridge became part "Big Bay" project (Greater Bay Area), which unites 11 cities with a population 70 million people and GDP $1.6 trillion (comparable to the Australian economy). According to forecasts, by 2030 traffic flow on the bridge will reach 40 million cars per year.
However, there is also criticism: some experts believe that the project won't pay off due to high tariffs and competition with ferries. However, the symbolic significance of the bridge cannot be overestimated - it has become calling card of China in the field of infrastructure.
The bridge reduced companies' logistics costs by 15-25%, which strengthened Hong Kong's position as Asia's financial hub.
Security and Incidents: What Can Go Wrong?
During its operation, the bridge experienced several emergency situations:
- Typhoon Mangkhut (2018) - wind up to 250 km/h, the bridge survived without damage
- Vessel collision (2022) - a cargo ship crashed into a support, causing damage of $10 million
- Fire in the tunnel (2023) - eliminated in 20 minutes thanks to an automatic fire extinguishing system
To monitor the condition of the bridge it is used 1200 sensorsthat track:
- 🌡️ Temperature and humidity (critical for metal expansion)
- 🌊 Water level and waves (to prevent erosion of supports)
- 🚗 Transport load (maximum - 10 thousand cars per hour)
⚠️ Attention: When wind speeds exceed 150 km/h, the bridge is closed to passenger cars. Trucks are prohibited from driving when winds exceed 120 km/h. Information about closures is published on official website in 2 hours.
In 2021 the bridge became first in the worldwhere they tested driverless trucks for transporting containers. The system is based on 5G and LiDAR-sensors that allow cars to move in a column with a distance 10 meters at a speed of 80 km/h.
How does the bridge compare to other giants?
Although HZMB is the longest sea bridge, by total length it is inferior to some projects. The table shows a comparison with other record holders:
| Bridge name | Country | Length, km | Type | Opening year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau | China | 165 | Marine (auto) | 2018 |
| Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge | China | 164,8 | Railway (high speed) | 2011 |
| Bang Na Expressway | Thailand | 54 | Auto (overpass) | 2000 |
| English Channel (Eurotunnel) | UK/France | 50,5 | Underwater (railway) | 1994 |
| King Fahd Bridge | Saudi Arabia/Bahrain | 25 | Marine (auto) | 1986 |
The difference between HZMB is combined design: there is a bridge, a tunnel, and artificial islands. For example, Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge longer on paper, but it's railway viaduct over land, not a sea crossing.
A unique feature of the HZMB: it is the only bridge in the world where three legal systems - China, Hong Kong and Macau - coexist on one site. To do this, it was necessary to create special “border zones” on artificial islands.
The future of the bridge: expansion plans and new records
The Chinese authorities are already talking about plans for bridge expansion:
- 🚆 Adding Train Tracks by 2028 (high-speed trains up to 250 km/h)
- 🚲 Bike path — the project is at the discussion stage
- 🌿 Solar panels on the roofs of customs complexes (power 5 MW)
In addition, the idea is being considered second bridge parallel to the existing one - to relieve traffic. And in 2035 may appear underwater tunnel between Hong Kong and Macau, which will shorten the journey by another 20 km.
Experts also predict that HZMB will become testing site new transport technologies:
- 🛸 Delivery drones for transporting small goods between islands
- 🚗 Autonomous taxis (pilot project will be launched in 2026)
- 💨 Maglev trains (still at the R&D stage)
⚠️ Attention: If you are planning to travel across the bridge in an electric vehicle, please note that there are no charging stations along the route. The closest points are in Zhuhai and Lantau Island. The recommended range is at least 250 km.
FAQ: answers to popular questions
Is it possible to cross the bridge by bicycle or on foot?
No, the bridge is for road transport only. Pedestrian and bicycle areas are not provided for safety reasons. However, plans to build a separate cycle path by 2030 are being discussed.
How much does a taxi fare for tourists cost?
Taxi fare from Hong Kong to Macau is approx. 800-1200 HKD (~$100-$150) one way. It is cheaper to rent a car (from 500 HKD/day) or take a shuttle (200 HKD per person).
What documents are needed to travel by private car?
For foreigners required:
- International driver's license
- Special permission HZMB Permit (issued online 1-2 weeks in advance)
- Insurance with coverage in China, Hong Kong and Macau
- Passport with visa (for citizens of the Russian Federation - a transit visa is not required when traveling for up to 72 hours)
Is it true that the bridge can be seen from space?
Yes, this was confirmed by astronauts from the ISS. The bridge is clearly visible at night thanks to 1.2 million LED lightsthat illuminate the route. During the day, it can also be seen on satellite images, especially the contrasting artificial islands.
What are the alternative routes between Hong Kong and Macau?
If the bridge is closed or you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider:
- ⛴️ Ferry (1 hour, from 150 HKD)
- 🚁 Helicopter (15 minutes, ~4000 HKD)
- 🚌 Bus via Shenzhen (3 hours, 100 HKD)