Thirty minutes. That’s all it takes now to travel between Shenzhen and Zhongshan. Before the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link this journey took two hours. We stand here at the Interchange Number 1. A vital part of this incredible feat of engineering.
The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link is more than just a bridge and tunnel. It’s a symbol of connection. A testament to China’s ambition and its relentless drive for progress. This impressive project consists of a 6.7 km tunnel. It also has 19 bridges totaling 43 km. The longest continuous section of bridge is about 22.5 km. About 15.5 km of that impressive length stretches over the sea.
Consider the challenges. The Pearl River Delta is one of the world’s most densely populated areas. Connecting Shenzhen and Zhongshan wasn’t easy. Shenzhen lobbied hard to be part of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge project. This was in the early 2000s. The Chinese government opted for a single-Y shaped design. This unfortunately excluded Shenzhen. The idea of a separate link between Shenzhen and Zhongshan surfaced in 2008. This idea was initially sidelined. Concerns existed about its potential impact on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. It was eventually included in Guangdong’s 12th five-year plan. This plan was unveiled in 2011.
Construction started in May 2017. It finally opened on June 30 2024. This engineering marvel cost around US$4.83 billion. The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link boasts eight lanes. It allows vehicles to travel at a maximum speed of 100 km/h. This reduces travel time significantly.
The opening day wasn’t without its hiccups. Reports of congestion surfaced. Some drivers faced hours of delays. Others chose alternative routes like the Humen Bridge. Despite initial congestion over three million vehicles crossed the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link in its first month.
Today the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link stands as a symbol of progress. It’s a testament to human ingenuity. It connects not only two cities but also two sides of a bustling delta. This incredible feat of engineering showcases China’s commitment to infrastructure. It has improved connectivity across this vital economic region. We stand at Interchange Number 1. Witness the daily flow of hundreds of thousands of vehicles. Witness the culmination of years of planning and construction. Witness the future. The future of connectivity. The future of progress. The future built right here.