Tsing Lung Bridge set to become iconic landmark with 'HK'-shaped tower: Highways Dept The Tsing Lung Bridge, a suspension bridge designed with “H” and “K” shaped towers to symbolize the city, is set to become Hong Kong’s newest landmark and tourist attraction, according to the Highways Department. The Department stated that it will prioritize the construction of the Tsing Lung Bridge section under the Route 11 project, aiming to enhance transport connectivity between the Northern Metropolis and the Victoria Harbor Metropolis. This aligns with Hong Kong’s new economic blueprint of “finance in the south, innovation and technology in the north.” Connecting 4 Concerns of Hong Kong Spanning approximately 1.3 kilometers, the Bridge will be Hong Kong’s first dual four-lane carriageway bridge, connecting Tsing Lung Tau with North Lantau. Due to its location at the confluence of Ma Wan Channel, Ha Peng Channel and Kap Shui Mun Channel, the bridge requires a navigation clearance height of 57 meters – equivalent to about 20 stories – to ensure safe passage for vessels. Additionally, to comply with flight path restrictions for Chek Lap Kok Airport, the North Lantau tower will be approximately 55 meters lower than the Tsing Lung Tau side, resulting in a unique asymmetrical design with varying tower heights. This engineering marvel combines symbolic architecture with complex technical requirements, making it a significant addition to Hong Kong’s infrastructure that will serve both practical transportation needs and become an iconic visual representation of the city. The Department stated that it will actively advance preliminary work, with the goal of initiating tendering in 2026, submitting funding requests to the Legislative Council in 2027, and striving to complete the bridge for opening by 2033 at the latest. How AI is Going To Help with Maintenance To withstand extreme weather conditions, the bridge will be designed with typhoon and earthquake resistance capabilities. This feature was drawn from the mainland’s experience, in which the project will incorporate Digital Twin technology that utilizes sensors and AI for real-time bridge monitoring to enhance maintenance efficiency. In addition to advancing the 23-kilometer Northern Metropolis Highway project which will span from Ping Che in the eastern New Territories North to Tin Shui Wai in the west, the Department is implementing the Route 11 project under the principle of "comprehensive planning, phased implementation." Route 11 serves as a strategic trunk road, with its 12-kilometer main route extending from Lam Tei to North Lantau via So Kwun Wat, Tai Lam Chung and Tsing Lung Tau. It will connect with the Lantau Link and the planned Tsing Yi-Lantau Link, ultimately linking Central's core business district via Route 3. The project has substantially completed its investigation studies, obtained environmental permits and finalized statutory gazetting procedures. Role in Relieving Traffic The Tsing Lung Bridge segment will be prioritized for construction to divert traffic from the Tuen Mun Road (Sham Tseng section) and Ting Kau Bridge, alleviating traffic congestion. The government’s aim for this infrastructure development is to transform the Northern Metropolis into Hong Kong’s new growth engine while improving regional connectivity. https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/305591/ (ICE HONG KONG)

Fonte notizia: The Standard