The world’s longest sea bridge is the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao bridge (HKMB). 55 kilometers long, with a dual three-lane carriage way and two offshore artificial islands, this mammoth construction was finished after nine years, and opened to the public in October 2018.

It connects the three cities in the Pearl River Delta – Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao – and shall bring the three closer together, serving as a central transportation network and logistics hub. Cars can cross the bridge in approx. 45 minutes whereas the ferry Hong Kong – Macao/Zhuhai takes a good hour. There is a bus which goes 24/7 and ticket prices are stated to be below ferry tickets prices.

The bridge-island-tunnel complex has a seven kilometers long tunnel under the sea, which is China’s first offshore tunnel and the longest immersed tunnel for road vehicles worldwide. It is located between two islands which were especially cumulated for the purpose.

The idea for the huge project was born already in the 1980s and was financed by the Chinese government and the Bank of China. Costs are estimated at 20 billion US dollars. While the Chinese government has communicated profound advantages for Hong Kong, such as a “deeper economic integration between Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta Region”, there are also critical voices. Some think that Hong Kong’s tourism will suffer, as people who want to travel to Macao or to the Pearl River Delta will not go there via Hong Kong anymore. Others fear that the bridge is just one more measure to get Hong Kong more under the influence of Beijing.

As with all big constructions, nature is affected. Critics say that sea life, especially the dolphins, will suffer because their habitat will be invaded. Once again, nature has to give way to mankind’s modern lifestyle. At the same time, authorities have promised to create marine parks to preserve aquatic life.

Read and see more about the longest bridge worldwide:

The Telegraph article: Eight things you need to know about the HKMB bridge

CNN video: Hong-Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge: Travel tips on how to cross it