Here stands the Passage Bridge of U Ramp of Longjing Interchange. Imagine the buzz of excitement as the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link opened. It’s more than just concrete and steel. This bridge is a crucial piece of a much larger puzzle. This puzzle is the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
The Passage Bridge of U Ramp of Longjing Interchange is part of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link. This link integrates bridges, islands, tunnels and underwater interchanges. This ambitious project significantly cuts travel time. A journey that once took two hours now takes only 30 minutes. It connects Shenzhen to Zhongshan. Shenzhen is east of the Pearl River estuary. Zhongshan lies to the west.
Think about Yang Nan. She is a medical researcher in Zhongshan. She frequently visited Shenzhen for academic exchanges. Before the link, her drive was often plagued by traffic jams. The Passage Bridge of U Ramp of Longjing Interchange has changed everything.
The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link underwent rigorous testing. Its mechanical, electrical, and communication systems were checked. Road management and maintenance teams were put in place. This ensures a smooth trial operation. The Guangdong Transportation Group announced its construction acceptance on June 16. This followed seven years of preparatory work and challenging construction.
The Passage Bridge of U Ramp of Longjing Interchange is strategically located. It sits 30 kilometers south of the Humen Bridge. It is also 31 kilometers north of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. The link starts at the Shenzhen airport interchange. It crosses Lingdingyang Bay. Finally, it lands at Ma’anshan Island in Zhongshan.
The entire Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link has a toll fee. It costs 66 yuan or $9 per vehicle. This fee facilitates passage across the entire route. Ma Ershun said the link boosts economic and social interactions. It especially helps the flow of goods. These goods come from the eastern and western parts of the Pearl River estuary.
Consider Sun Yuenan. She is a female engineer who spent eight years building the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. She then joined the Shenzhen-Zhongshan project. She felt fortunate to be involved in these super projects. She witnessed historic moments in China’s bridge construction.
The opening of the Passage Bridge of U Ramp of Longjing Interchange has also spurred new bus routes. There are now cross-city buses between Shenzhen and Zhongshan. Bus routes TO1A and TO1B run from Zhongshan to Shenzhen’s Qianhai Bay subway station. These routes reached maximum capacity on their first day. All tickets were sold out.
Nine routes connect Guangdong and Hong Kong. They make 92 trips through the Shenzhen-Zhongshan passage. This further facilitates travel in the Greater Bay Area. This intricate network showcases China’s engineering prowess. The Passage Bridge of U Ramp of Longjing Interchange is a testament to progress. It is more than just a bridge. It is a vital artery. It connects cities and people. It drives economic growth.