ZM Cross-Border Park to break out of semi-isolation

A proposal has been made to extend the T12 street rail and improve other access to Zhuhai-Macao Cross-Border Industrial Zone Zhuhai Park. This is one of several ways the park's transportation connections could be improved, say the Administrative Committee of the Zhuhai Free Trade Zone and Housing & Urban-Rural Planning & Construction Bureau.

The 10.2-m T2 medium-capacity line runs from Meihua Road to Zhuhai Railway Station in Gongbei. If approved, it would extend to the Cross-Border Park, which lies southeast of the Changsheng Bridge in Changshengwei next to Xiawan of Gongbei. Fourteen stations would be added along the line, including on Yuehai Road.

The industrial zone/park was founded in December 2003 and approved by the State Council in 2006 as the first of its kind in the country. It covers 40 hectares, about three-quarters or .29 sq km in Zhuhai and .11 sq km in Macao, and is part of the Zhuhai Free Trade Zone in Wanzai (across the Qianshan Watercourse).

Zhuhai-Macao Cross-Border Industrial Zone (Zhuhai Park) [Photo courtesy Zhuhai Daily]

The zone/park integrates high-end logistics and consumer goods trade, exhibitions, and bonded businesses. Ahead, it is to become a characteristic logistics distribution center serving Macao. It would take advantage of FTZ policies, preferred taxation of export-import goods, and checkpoints with 24-hour customs clearance.

But, poor transportation and geographical limitations have hindered development. The plan now is to link the area by key rail lines and a larger transportation network.

To achieve this, bus stations would be added with routes and services adjusted. In addition, pedestrian-oriented street crossings would be installed to encourage green transportation.

The park will also take advantage of the construction of Lovers Avenue side roads, the Wanzai Bridge, and widening of East Qianhe Road to have better access to the surrounding main road system.

The long-term plan is to retain access to the national defense highway system while improving the area's road network.