Tsing Ma Bridge

tsing ma bridge image

Tsing Ma Bridge is the world’s longest road-rail suspension bridge, as well as the world’s ninth longest span suspension bridge. It is also one of the longest bridge in Hong Kong. The bridge has a main span of 1,377 meters and a total length of 2,160 meters.  The bridge is a part of the Lantau Link, connecting the Ma Wan Channel, Tsing Yi and Ma Wan. Together with Kap Shui Mun Bridge, it is the only vehicular access that links up Lantau Island, Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok and the urban areas. If you arrive in Hong Kong by plane and then get to the city centre, you must pass through the marvelous Tsing Ma Bridge.

Tsing Ma Bridge Interesting Facts

Tsing Ma Bridge was selected as the “Top 10 Construction Achievements of The 20th Century” by the US construction industry in 1999. It enjoy the honor together with nine other winners like the Channel Tunnel and the Golden Gate Bridge. Moreover, what makes the bridge special is that the bridge contains two decks. The upper deck has six lanes, with three lanes in each direction. The lower accommodates two rail tracks, MTR Tung Chung Line and Airport Express Line, as well as two sheltered carriageways designed for maintenance access and for emergency uses, for example, severe traffic accidents or typhoons. The upper deck is closed under the influences of severe typhoons.

The bridge tower is 206 meters tall and is 62 meters above the sea surface. The main cable has a diameter of 1.1 meters and a total length of 160,000 kilometers, which is long enough to encircle the Earth for four times. Designed by a British consultancy, the steelwork of the bridge was fabricated in Britain and Japan. They were then shipped to the Guangdong Province of China for assembling. Tsing Ma Bridge started construction in May 1992 at a cost of HK$ 7.2 billion. It was opened along with the rest of the Lantau Link in April 1997 by former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. The bridge was put into service a month later.

Tsing Ma Bridge viewing platform

tsing ma bridge night view

Tsing Ma Bridge is an important landmark and tourist attraction of Hong Kong. To cope with the tourists, the Government has established the Lantau Link Visitors Centre in the northwest of Tsing Yi. The Visitor Centre has models of the bridge, photos, interactive games and a viewing platform overlooking the Tsing Ma Bridge, Kap Shui Mun Bridge and Ting Kau Bridge. Besides, since the Tsing Ma Bridge has no sidewalk, tourists cannot walk on the bridge. The Government only open the bridge during the international marathon and act as a venue. Additionally, in 2008, it was opened for the Olympic Torch Relay.

How to get there: Take a taxi from MTR Tsing Yi Station, Exit A1.

Tsing Ma Bridge viewpoint

Other than the Lantau Link Visitors Centre, the best places for viewing Tsing Ma Bridge are Ma Wan and Sham Tseng along Castle Peak Road or the Tuen Mun Road.

Hope you learn more about the Tsing Ma Bridge and enjoy reading this post. Please feel free to leave us comments or contact us if you have any questions. Thank you for reading this post. Please like us on Facebook and share our post!

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