HZMB Bridge

The HZMB Bridge is considered the longest bridge in the world, the abbreviation stands for Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao. Its length is 55 kilometers. There are no analogues of the Chinese structure in any state. The complex consists of bridges and tunnels crossing the Pearl River Delta. Its service life is approximately 120 years.

History

Back in 1980, the Chinese government came up with the idea of connecting Hong Kong with Guangdong Province. It was finalized, and in 2003 a project was developed for the construction of the most ambitious project in the world, the HZMB bridge, which unites 3 cities. Hundreds of scientific and research organizations have joined this effort. The project received approval in 2008. Construction work started a year later.

It was initially stated that the HZMB bridge would become operational in 2016. But the bridge opened in 2018. Bus service began in October. More than $11 billion has been allocated for these purposes. Of the length of 55 kilometers, 38 kilometers are bridges. The main part of the HZMB bridge consists of almost 30 kilometers, the length of the underwater tunnel is 6.7 kilometers. The main bridge communicates with 3 sections of cable-stayed bridges, the span length of which varies between 280 and 460 meters.

Design features

Thanks to a thoughtful design, travel between parts of the PRC was reduced from 4 hours to half an hour. The HZMB bridge weighs approximately 400 tons. The builders are confident that it will last more than 100 years. The advantage of the design is its resistance to typhoons, earthquakes and hurricanes. The tunnel is located at a depth of almost 50 meters. All safety tests passed successfully before commissioning.

It is recommended to move across the bridge at speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour. It is open to buses and vehicles to transport passengers or goods. Everyone is required to undergo immigration control. Private cars can only enter with special permission; taxis are prohibited in this area. The HZMB bridge, consisting of 6 lanes, is recognized as one of the safest in the world. At the same time, it does not disrupt the movement of ships.