Zhuhai Airport Urban Rail Transit Phase I from Gongbei to Hengqin New Area was connected along all 16.9 km (10.5 miles) on Dec 18.

The latest date for static acceptance inspection of the project is next June after track-laying, furnishing, and electromechanical engineering are completed.

Connecting Xiangzhou's urban area with Zhuhai (Jinwan) Airport, the 39.48-km (24.5-mile) commuter railway is a major intercity MRT line for the Pearl River Delta, the Chinese mainland, and Macao. The Phase I project is an extension line of the Guangzhou-Zhuhai MRT from Zhuhai Station in Gongbei to Hengqin.

Cutterhead of shield machine arrives at receiving pit. [Photo by Zhong Fan / Zhuhai Daily]

The first phase of construction began in 2014. Now, it has stations at Zhuhai, North Wanzai, Wanzai, Shizimen, Financial Island, Hengqin, and Hengqin Chimelong. The designed maximum speed is 160 kmph (100 mph), which is deemed appropriate for local conditions.

According to the contractor, CCCC Fourth Harbor Engineering, track-laying machines are currently working between Zhuhai and North Wanzai stations. The project takes a ballast-less track and anti-settling approach to ensure passenger comfort, and uses cast-on-site concrete to enable a high pace of construction. 

Route [Photo by Qiu Yaosheng, edited by Cao Yinan provided to cityofzhuhai.com]

Hengqin Station is below East Ring Road for proximity with the Hengqin Border Checkpoint. With floorage of 6 hectares (14.8 acres) across two layers, it will be the city's largest underground train station and the second largest in China after Futian Station in Shenzhen.

There will be 29 entrances and exits including 12 for passengers and others for emergency evacuation and ventilation pavilions. Some entrances and exits will lead directly to Hengqin Checkpoint for travelers to Macao. Long-term planning extends Macao Light Rail Transit to the Hengqin Checkpoint transportation hub to allow for seamless shifts to the Guangzhou-Zhuhai Intercity MRT.

The second phase will run northwestward with Jinwan Station to be built on the north side of Big Hengqin Mt.

Interior look at Hengqin Station [Photo by Zhong Fan / Zhuhai Daily]