The much-anticipated Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link officially opened in south China’s Guangdong Province on Sunday, with trial operations commencing at 3 p.m. This monumental project cuts travel time between Shenzhen and Zhongshan from two hours to approximately 30 minutes, marking a significant leap in regional connectivity.
Spanning 24 kilometers, the passage starts at the Shenzhen airport interchange and stretches across the Pearl River to connect with Ma’anshan Island in Zhongshan. The megaproject boasts an impressive combination of engineering feats, including one underwater tunnel, two bridges, and two artificial islands. These features contribute to the link’s recognition for achieving 10 world records in engineering and construction.
As a core transportation project in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the new link serves as the “transportation backbone” of the region. It seamlessly connects urban centers on both sides of the Pearl River Estuary, facilitating smoother transit for commuters, businesses, and tourists alike.
Strategically positioned, the link is a key component of the national expressway network G2518. It lies approximately 30 kilometers north of the Humen Bridge and 31 kilometers south of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, integrating these vital transportation arteries into a cohesive network.
“The link, along with existing structures like the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, will form a network of cross-sea and cross-river passages in the Greater Bay Area, boosting connectivity of the city cluster,” said Deng Xiaohua, head of Guangdong Provincial Communications Group. This enhanced network is expected to stimulate economic growth, foster business opportunities, and strengthen cultural ties within the region.
The opening of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link not only signifies a monumental achievement in engineering but also heralds a new era of development and collaboration in the Greater Bay Area. Residents, travelers, and businesses are poised to benefit from the reduced travel times and improved accessibility.
Reference(s):
Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link opens to traffic with 10 world records
cgtn.com
