The main section of the cross-sea bridge linking Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao has completed, bringing the project a step closer to its opening scheduled for late 2017.

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the world's longest cross-sea bridge, has been in construction since Dec 15, 2009. Sponsored by the central government and the local governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, the bridge has cost 72 billion yuan ($10.86 billion). The six-lane bridge runs for 49.96 kilometers and is expected to carry a speed limit of 100 kph.

By applying the highest construction standards of Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, the bridge is expected to have a 120 year lifespan, and will be able to resist winds of up to 56 meters per second and earthquakes of magnitude eight.

The first phase of the construction involved constructing the Zhuhai-Macao port artificial island, reclaiming a sea area of 2.18 million square meters. The next phase was to build a sea tunnel spanning 35.5 kilometers.

The scale of the bridge is larger than that of the Hangzhou Bay Cross-Sea Bridge which at 35.5 kilometers is one of the ten longest cross-sea bridges in the world.

A view of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge with is currently under construction. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]