Bridging the gap: In financing the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge's construction, the three sides have agreed to share the subsidy amount by adhering to the principle of equalisation of cost-to-benefit ratios which takes into account the economic benefits to each side.

Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macau have reached a consensus on the financing of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge's construction, Secretary for Transport & Housing Eva Cheng says.

Speaking after the Bridge Advance Work Co-ordination Group's eighth meeting in Guangzhou today, Ms Cheng - also the group convenor - said the three sides have agreed to share the subsidy amount by adhering to the principle of equalisation of cost-to-benefit ratios which takes into account the economic benefits to each side.

With this major progress, Ms Cheng said the group can start preparation for the tendering by investors which will be conducted in the form of unified financing.

When pressed by reporters for the agreed shares, Ms Cheng said Hong Kong would be responsible for 50.2%, the Mainland 35.1% and Macau 14.7%.

Subject to the bid amount, Ms Cheng hoped the exact subsidy would be as little as possible. To avoid affecting the tender process, cost estimates will not be disclosed.

Construction, operation

The three governments will be responsible for the construction and operation of the boundary crossing facilities and the connecting roads to the bridge within their own territory. The connecting roads are about 12.6km on the Hong Kong side, and 13.9km on the Mainland side.

The bridge's main body will be about 29.6km. To the west, it will land on an artificial island off Gongbei. To the east, it will land on an artificial island for the tunnel section.

It will be built according to the six-lane expressway standard with a vehicle speed of 100km per hour. To ensure unimpeded sea traffic of the main navigation channels towards Guangzhou and Shenzhen ports, there will be a tunnel linking up the two artificial islands which will provide bridge/tunnel switching facilities.

Ms Cheng added engineering and technical studies will start as soon as possible.

The group was briefed on the bridge's feasibility study findings and today discussed the financing arrangements and the next stage of work.