The bridge was officially opened to the public in May 1997 by Margaret Thatcher.
Its construction required the use of over 50,000 tonnes of steel for the main cables alone.
The two main towers stand 206 meters tall, resting on foundations sunk 40 meters below sea level.
During the construction, it held the record as the longest span suspension bridge in the world carrying both rail and road traffic.
The bridge is designed to remain operational even during heavy typhoons when other transport links might be suspended.
A specialized maintenance team operates from within the bridge's hollow structure to monitor structural integrity daily.
Tsing Ma Bridge is a two-tier suspension bridge connecting Tsing Yi island and Ma Wan island in Hong Kong. It serves as a critical transport link for road and rail traffic traveling to and from Hong Kong International Airport. The bridge spans 1,377 meters with a main suspension span of 1,377 meters, making it one of the longest suspension bridges in the world carrying both road and rail. The upper deck accommodates a six-lane highway, while the lower deck houses two MTR rail lines and two sheltered carriageways for emergency use during typhoons. It was designed to withstand extreme wind conditions and seismic activity common to the region. The structure is constructed from high-tensile steel and concrete. It operates as a vital component of the Lantau Link infrastructure project.
The Lantau Link Visitor Centre and Viewing Platform on the Tsing Yi side.
Bring a windbreaker as the bridge deck and surrounding viewing areas are subject to very strong gusts.
View the bridge at night when the structural floodlights illuminate the cables.
Use the dedicated viewing platforms on Tsing Yi rather than attempting to stop on the bridge itself.
Do not attempt to walk on the bridge deck, as it is strictly for high-speed vehicular and rail traffic only.
The bridge is operational 24/7, but the Visitor Centre may have periodic maintenance closures.
