The State Council has today approved the feasibility study report of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Project. Construction of the main bridge will start in phases by the end of this year for completion by 2015-16.

To tie in with the main bridge construction, Hong Kong is pressing ahead with the boundary crossing facilities and link road projects within its territory, including completing the necessary statutory procedures and the detailed design to synchronise completion with the main bridge.

The bridge is of strategic significance to the economic development of Hong Kong, Macau and the Western Pearl River Delta region, cutting transportation costs and time for travellers and goods.

With the bridge, the western delta will fall within a three-hour commuting radius of Hong Kong, providing ample opportunities for local business people to expand their operation in the Mainland. Key sectors such as tourism, finance, trade, commerce and logistics, will benefit from this new economic hinterland.