Macao plans to increase transport connections with Hengqin

Macao Light Rail Transit's Hengqin Line will connect with Hengqin Checkpoint, providing convenient transit access to Zhuhai Airport Urban Rail Transit in 2025, it was stated in the Overall Road Transport Plan of Macao (2021-2030). The document, released on May 24, is soliciting public opinion through July 22.

The 2.2-km (1.4-mile) Hengqin Line will start from HE1 Station near Lotus Bridge Station of the Taipa Line in Macao and then continue 900 m (984 yd) under the Shizimen Waterway alongside the Lotus Bridge to HE2 Station beneath Hengqin Checkpoint.

It will connect the high-speed train network of the Chinese mainland with Zhuhai's urban rail network in Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.

Planning map of Macao Light Rail Transit's new lines[Photo courtesy Guanhai App]

In addition, more buses will be available near Hengqin and Qingmao checkpoints to meet surging transportation demands, with their routes subject to adjustments according to future operation situations.

Macao Transport Bureau predicted that the daily cross-boundary passenger volume at Guanzha (Gongbei) and Qingmao checkpoints will reach 400,000 by 2030 and the bureau plans to set up additional light rail transit stations at these two checkpoints to disperse passenger flow.

Meanwhile, border-crossing vehicles will be guided to use Hengqin and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge checkpoints to relieve pressure on checkpoints in north Macao, as well as to separate vehicles from pedestrians.

Macao will prioritize public transportation and vehicle control to provide a safer, greener, more efficient and convenient land transportation system that incorporates sustainable development principles.

Projects like water routes to Hengqin, the Guangzhou-Zhuhai (Macao) High-Speed Railway, as well as Nansha-Zhuhai (Zhongshan) Intercity MRT were also mentioned in the document for further planning and construction.