Track laying was completed on July 20 for the Zhuhai Airport Urban Rail Transit section from Gongbei to Hengqin New Area, clearing the way for inspection on Aug 31 and eventual opening on Nov 20.

The 16.86-km (10.5-mile) first phase runs from Zhuhai Station of the Guangzhou-Zhuhai Intercity MRT in Gongbei, along Changsheng Avenue, over the Qianshan Waterway, under South Nanwan Road and the Maliuzhou Waterway to Hengqin Island, along East Ring (Huandao) Road, and through Hengqin Mt to Chimelong International Ocean Tourist Resort. 

Work crew celebrates track completion

There are stations at Gongbei, North Wanzai, Wanzai, Shizimen, Financial Island, Hengqin, and Chimelong. Transfer stations are set up for all checkpoints to Macao.

The project, which involves roadbeds, bridges, tunnels, stations, equipment, telecommunication, power supply, and furnishing, is undertaken by CCCC Fourth Harbor Engineering.

Track laying

Upon operation, the rail section is to alleviate traffic pressure in Zhuhai and offer more choices for those commuting between Zhuhai and Macao. A significant Macao access passage for people in the Pearl River Delta and even the mainland, it is considered essential to infrastructure connectivity and economic cooperation within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The second phase, which runs 23 km (14 miles) from Hengqin to Zhuhai (Jinwan) Airport, is to be completed by January 2023. Designed with speeds of 100 to 160 kmph (62 to 99 mph), the entire MRT line will cut travel time between Gongbei and the airport to half an hour.

Welding operation [Photos by Zhong Fan / Zhuhai Daily]