The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Authority has said components of the breakwater structure for the HK$120 billion project’s eastern artificial island were designed to be placed randomly underwater, and have not shifted in position.
A photo of the island just west of Hong Kong’s border was widely-shared on Tuesday, sparking concerns that it showed an uneven shore line with components disconnected from the main structure. The island was constructed by the Chinese side and managed by the Zhuhai-based authority.
But the Authority took to its website on Wednesday to deny the reports. It said that a contractor conducted construction in accordance with the design and the functions of the concrete dolos blocks passed examination.
It said that in order to avoid the structure on top of the island being affected by waves, the blocks were designed to sit underwater during high tide.
“After long-term observation, analysis, and also observation after the strike by Typhoon Hato, there was no effect – they were fully in compliance with regulations and design,” the Authority said.
The Authority said examinations were passed on February 6 after six years of preliminary planning and eight years of construction.
“We thank the public and the media’s concern relating to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, please be assured that the structure of quality of the bridge’s main works have passed tests,” it said.
On the Hong Kong side, the bridge project – construction of which commenced in 2009 – has been plagued by over-spending, delays, deadly accidents involving workers, instances of hacking, and falsified test results.
In 2015, the reclaimed island of the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities, next to the airport, was found to be moving away from its location owing to its construction method.
State media have suggested that the bridge may open in the middle of this year, but there has yet to be an official date set.
