Transportation projects in Zhuhai have been accelerating construction since the start of 2023, striving to improve transportation conditions and to shorten travel time.

Of note, the 254.7-meter (835.6-yd) East Tower of Gaolan Port Bridge in Jinwan, the first of five main towers in the Huangmao Sea Channel project, was capped on Jan 9. Construction of the other four main towers is well underway and they are expected to be capped in the first half of 2023.

The­ Huangmao Sea Channel project has two main bridges that cross the 15-km (9.3-mile) sea between Zhuhai and Jiangmen, namely the Huangmao Sea Channel and Gaolan Port bridges. The project is estimated to begin operation in 2024.

Meanwhile, the north section of the Xingye Expressway connecting Xiangzhou and Tangjiawan is in its final phase of construction, and is waiting for mechanical and electrical equipment installation. Over 85 percent of the air shafts and ducts in the Jishan and Yangliao tunnels have been finished.

A 2.2-km (1.4-mile) tunnel was built under Dajing Mt near the Dajing Mt Community Park in Xiangzhou. The construction team has finished the installation of the enameled pressed steel, while mechanical and electrical equipment installation and asphalt paving at the entrances are now underway.

The Gangwan Avenue section in Tangjiawan, north of Baibu Road and near the east line exit of Xingye Expressway's north section, has almost finished renovations, and greenery works have been completed.

The section is expected to open in both directions soon, allowing motorists on North Lovers Avenue to access Gangwan Avenue via Baibu Road.

Haiqin Bridge with its distinctive shape [Photo courtesy WeChat account: zhuhaifabu]

Haiqin Bridge, the fifth and last bridge connected to Hengqin Financial Island, was recently opened to traffic. Located at the entrance of Hengqin Financial Island's artificial river, the bridge weighs 1,100 metric tons and its 192-m (210-yd) main span is 58 m (190 ft) in height.

The overall structure of the bridge has a unique and symbolic design, making it a visual focus on the island together with the Hengqin IFC tower, which is the highest building in Zhuhai and Macao.

In addition, southeast Huanzhou Road that connects Zhuhai's Yunfeng Road and Zhongshan's Tanzhou Road has recently opened to traffic. The dual six-lane road is 300 m (328 yd) in length and 32 m (35 yd) in width.

Its operation has effectively alleviated traffic pressure on roads linking Zhuhai and Tanzhou during peak hours.

Motorists in Tanzhou can now directly drive on Yunfeng Road instead of Nantan Road to access Zhuhai.