Done deal: Director of Highways Wai Chi-sing (second right) witnesses the preliminary design contract signing for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge in Zhuhai.

Representatives of the three sides in the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Advance Work Co-ordination Group have signed the contract for the preliminary design and investigation of the structure's main body.

The 30km bridge links the artificial island off Gongbei and the eastern artificial island for the tunnel section. It will house a six-lane expressway.

To ensure unimpeded marine traffic on the main navigation channels towards Guangzhou and Shenzhen ports, a tunnel will link the two artificial islands.

Construction of the main bridge will be taken up by the Central Government, with Guangdong contributing RMB7 billion, Hong Kong RMB6.75 billion and Macau RMB1.98 billion, covering 42% of the cost. The remaining funds will come from loans.