Bridge‑Bashing Turns to Bridge‑Singing: The Curious Case of the Longest Sea Span
For years the 55‑kilometre stretch tacked to Hong Kong, Macau and the mainland has been the subject of whispers, sighs and a few horror stories. Now it’s finally getting a ceremony in Zhuhai, but the event’s big‑fat secrecy has locals scratching their heads and politicians shouting.
The Crunchy Tale of Construction
- Started in 2009 and spans 34 miles from Lantau to Zhuhai.
- Not just a road – it’s a winding bridge plus an underwater tunnel.
- Been hit by delays, cost overruns, corruption investigations and worker fatalities.
While supporters brag it’s the newest engineering marvel, critics scoff that it’s a multi‑billion‑dollar white elephant hooking Hong Kong tighter to mainland China. After all, Beijing’s tightening grip on the semi‑autonomous city is no secret.
Invitation Weather: No Details, No Decisiveness
On Wednesday, Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong sent out invites to local media for a “knot-tying” ceremony in Zhuhai the following Tuesday—but with no agenda or timetable. Even the President’s presence was a rumor, not a rollout.
Hong Kong’s transport department asked AFP on Thursday if the bridge would actually be open on Tuesday, and they got nothing but a vague “considered open.”
Operators in the Dark
Prominent bus operator One Bus Hong Kong Macau, represented by spokesman Eddie Choi, lamented: “At such short notice and with no details, how can we make the necessary logistical arrangements?”
The Political Punchline
Pro‑democracy lawmakers had their own drama.
- Kwok Ka‑ki claims he only heard about the ceremony from media reports and wasn’t invited, though he notes panel members were asked to attend a Saturday inspection.
- He condemned the secrecy and raised safety questions: “The bridge needs to be open and used by the public as soon as possible, but whether it is safe… we do not know.”
He drew a parallel with the last month’s high‑speed‑rail booth launch, where Chinese security teamed up on Hong Kong soil in a midnight surprise.
“We’re Handcuffed,” says Tanya Chan
Transport panel lawyer Tanya Chan declared: “Hong Kong people have paid a lot for the construction and have a substantial share in this bridge, yet we have no control.” She added, “The Hong Kong government is always out of the picture and is under the control of the Chinese government.”
So, while the long‑hidden bridge is finally getting its moment in the sun, the big question remains: Will the rigors of policing, political meddling and lack of clarity be able to get this megastructure officially operating? The curtain might rise, but the true show is just beginning.
