Chongqing - In the heart of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the newly inaugurated Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link has brought together previously separated city clusters, opening to traffic on June 30.

The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link spans 24 kilometers and features two bridges, two artificial islands, and an underwater tunnel. This challenging cross-sea project will cut travel time between Shenzhen and Zhongshan from two hours to just 30 minutes.

China Communications Second Navigational Bureau Second Engineering Co., Ltd., a state-owned enterprise based in Chongqing, was pivotal in constructing the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge. Over the more than seven-year construction period, more than 600 workers were involved at its peak, with 70% being frontline workers and project managers from Chongqing.

Their key projects included the construction of the east main tower and east anchor, the installation of the main cable on the upstream side, and more.

A picture of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link. (Photo/China Communications Second Navigational Bureau Second Engineering Co., Ltd.)

Liao Wenlong, the project's deputy manager, highlighted the extreme challenges posed by frequent typhoons, high salt and humidity levels, and complex seabed conditions.

The project's engineering director, Li Siyin, pointed out that the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge is unprecedented, with no similar projects to reference. Innovations such as the integrated intelligent tower-building machine, mesh bending machine, and prefabricated rebar technology are firsts for China Communications Second Navigational Bureau.

For Li, the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link is his first project. "When we started, it was just open sea. Over six years, I’ve witnessed its transformation, and I feel very proud," he said.

"I hope we can bring more of our Chongqing's bridge-building experience to projects across the country and contribute more nationwide," he added.

(Ma Manlin, as an intern, also contributed to this report.)