Chief Executive Edmund Ho today (7 October) presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the third Macao-Taipa Bridge. When completed in 2004, this bridge will ensure the link between Macao and Taipa during typhoon.

The Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Ao Man Long, said after the ceremony that the third Macao-Taipa Bridge would perfect the transportation networks of Macao and Taipa Island, adding that the project would also provide employment for local workers.

When questioned about collaboration with the Mainland in cross-border transportation facilities, Mr. Ao said that the MSAR Government had made contact with Mainland officials and that further negotiations would follow at the appropriate time.

The 22-kilometer bridge will have two levels. There will be six lanes on the upper level and four lanes on the lower level. The lower level will also accommodate light railway facilities in the future.

The new bridge, which will connect western parts of the Macao peninsula and Taipa Island, is expected to cost around 560 million patacas and will take 28 months to complete.

Currently, the two bridges will be closed when the typhoon signal 8 is hoisted.