China approves new bridge to link Hong Kong

China has approved the construction of a bridge across the twenty-seven kilometre wide Pearl River estuary to link the town of Zhu Hai in southern China with Hong Kong.

Officials in Zhu Hai said the bridge would halve the journey time between Hong Kong and southern China.

The bridge, which will cost more than two billion dollars, will take six years to be complete.

Chinese officials said at least forty-five per cent of the cost will be met through foreign investment.

The BBC correspondent in Beijing says the bridge is expected to help Jhu Hai play a pivotal role in the fast-developing Pearl River delta region.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service