The Macao Checkpoint of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao (HZM) Bridge debuted with a lighting ceremony on Dec 18, ready for customs clearance and transport service in concert with the major part of the bridge functioning by year's end.

Accompanied by a countdown, a fireworks-and-lighting show illuminated the checkpoint in celebration of early completion of the project, which was presented as a gift for the 18th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland.

Situated on the engineered island south of Gongbei Bay, the HZM Bridge Macao Checkpoint fronts the Macao Peninsula across the water. It is connected to Macao by southwest roads and to Hong Kong by northeast roads.

Covering about 658,000 sq m, the project is comprised of three major buildings and 53 individual ones with floorage totaling more than 600,000 sq m. 

HZM Bridge Macao Checkpoint

The checkpoint, which came under construction on Dec 12, 2016, has overcome devastating typhoons, sweltering summer heat, and heavy rainfalls to be completed in just 371 days.

So far, work on the border-crossing inspection building, garages inside and outside the border, ambient municipal roads, and support facilities have been completed. The next stage is to debug and review power supply facilities before opening by year's end.

Attending the lighting ceremony were Macao SAR Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai On; Sun Da, deputy director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR; and Commissioner Ye Dabo of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Macao SAR.

Macao Checkpoint illuminated [Photos by Li Jianshu / Zhujiang Evening Post]