Excavation of the Zhuhai Airport Urban Rail Transit Phase I is nearing completion and planners anticipate static acceptance inspection by year end.

The 39.48-km (24.5-mile) extension line of the Guangzhou-Zhuhai Intercity MRT is a critical part of the urban traffic system in Zhuhai. It starts at Zhuhai Station of the Guangzhou-Zhuhai Intercity MRT and ends at Zhuhai (Jinwan) Airport. Once the extension is completed, only a half hour will be needed to travel from Gongbei of Xiangzhou District to the airport, with trains running at an upper speed of nearly 160 kmph (100 mph).

Sharing the same starting point, the 16.86-km (10.5-mile) Phase I will stop at North Wanzai, Wanzai, Shizimen, Financial Island, and Hengqin stations before terminating at Hengqin Chimelong Station. Ninety percent of the line will run underground and connect five stations -- North Wanzai, Wanzai, Shizimen, Financial Island, and Hengqin. Zhuhai Station is aboveground while Hengqin Chimelong Station will occupy two underground floors. Construction will cost around 6 billion yuan ($1 billion).

Shield tunneling is part of line excavation

The second phase, incorporating six two-way lines of 23 km (14.25 miles), will traverse mountains, span water channels, cross reclamation zones, and contain elevated and underground stations, including Jingwan, South Hezhou, and East Sanzao. It is expected to open in 2023.

As planned, Macao Light Rail Transit will extend to the Hengqin Checkpoint transportation hub to allow for seamless shifts to the Guangzhou-Zhuhai Intercity MRT. Only 3 m (10 ft) will separate them, and passengers will be further facilitated by rapid border-crossing procedures.

This project will link up to the intercity mass rail transits of Guangzhou, Foshan, and Macao to form a comprehensive transportation network in the Pearl River Delta.

Rail line stations take shape [Photos courtesy WeChat account (ID:GD3230756)]