Proposed Shenzhen link to mega bridge will be a boon for Hong Kong, analysts say
- Industry players mostly upbeat on extension to Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, aimed at boosting traffic volume and connecting city earlier left out of project
- Supporters hail contribution to wider development of Greater Bay Area, but critic points out that benefits for Hong Kong are minimal
The mostly positive outlook on Monday was centred on a proposal involving the existing Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, released last week by the Guangdong provincial government as part of its blueprint for a comprehensive transport system under the country’s 14th five-year plan.
The scheme is aimed at boosting connectivity with Hong Kong and Macau, with authorities looking into a new link to connect Shenzhen and make “better use” of the mega bridge.
The move may signal a revival of an abandoned double-Y-shaped design for the structure, with one extension linking Shenzhen.
Shenzhen lobbied hard in the early 2000s to be included in the mega project. But the idea was vetoed by mainland Chinese authorities because Hong Kong at the time did not favour the idea, and the present single-forked design was chosen in 2004, leaving the city out of the development.
