Phase I of the Zhuhai Airport Urban Rail Transit is nearing an operating date of Nov 20, with work shifting from construction of seven stations to connections with support facilities.

Zhuhai Station of the Gongbei-to-Hengqin New Area section recently underwent cold-running tests. Construction of the station was completed in late April.

The largest of its kind along the section, Hengqin Station comprises compound platforms, 12 major entrances, and 10 evacuation exits. The interior furnishing has been completed, and workers are cleaning house.

Hengqin Chimelong Station [Photo by Guo Hai / Zhuhai Daily]

Hengqin Chimelong Station has distinct marine characteristics and a yellow-and-blue façade. It will connect to Zhuhai Chimelong International Ocean Resort via a pedestrian overpass, which will be completed by the end of this year.

Spanning 39.48 km (24.5 miles), the Zhuhai Airport Urban Rail Transit project is an extension line of the Guangzhou-Zhuhai Intercity MRT and a significant Macao access passage for people in the Pearl River Delta. It will cut travel time between Gongbei and Zhuhai (Jinwan) Airport to half an hour, as trains will run at 100 to 160 kmph (62 to 99 mph).

Its first phase traverses 17 km (11 miles) from the Intercity MRT Zhuhai Station in Gongbei to Chimelong International Ocean Resort through Wanzai North, Wanzai, Shizimen, Financial Island, and Hengqin stations.