Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai

Construction of the Jinhai Bridge is expected to begin by the end of this year, Zhuhai transportation authorities announced on July 18. 

The announcement was based on approval by China Railway of a research plan for the second phase of the line between Zhuhai Railway Station and Zhuhai Airport. The Guangzhou-Zhuhai Railway Co Ltd is responsible for the plan. 

Running 24.39 km, the Jinhai Bridge will be built in two phases. The 7.76 km first phase -- the Second Hengqin Bridge -- connecting Hongwan Interchange and Hengqin Port Second-Line Customs Building, has been open to traffic since last Dec 31. Encompassing the main bridge and approaches, the bridge project has a length of 16.63 km. 

Designer's view of the Jinhai Bridge

The road and railway running over the Modaomen Waterway, and the railway on the approach are the responsibility of the Guangzhou-Zhuhai Railway, while and the city's transportation authority bears the obligation for the road section on the approach, according to a spokesperson for the authorities. 

The roadway approach will be designed according to the main bridge's specifications. The plan for that part is also expected to be approved and its design contract awarded before next year. 

The starting point of the Jinhai Bridge connects with the finishing point of the Second Hengqin Bridge, running from the West Huandao Viaduct to Jingjiao, turning west from the West Huandao Road, and merging into the Zhuhai Railway Station-Zhuhai Airport Intercity Railway at Dajingjiao. It then runs over the Modaomen and Baiteng River waterways as a combined highway-railway line, and accesses the present S272 East Airport Road Viaduct via Zizhu Bay Interchange. 

Cross-section of the Jinhai Bridge [Photos/Zhuhai Daily APP]

The project will be designed and constructed to expressway standards with designed speed of 100 km/h. There will be five main bridges with a total length of 23.843 km, five interchanges and two toll stations. 

To come into use along with the Zhuhai Railway Station-Zhuhai Airport Intercity Railway in 2021, the project is estimated to be completed in five years.