Tunnel or bridge? | Macau-Taipa fourth link under review

A model of the new urban reclaimed land areas currently being displayed at Tap Seac’s Glass House

The government is waiting on the results of a research study on the fourth Macau-Taipa link to decide on whether to build another bridge or a tunnel, according to a statement issued yesterday by the Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau (DSSOPT).
A previous report on the tunnel construction project suggested that motorcycles should not use the tunnel. Therefore, the government commissioned a comparative and more comprehensive study on the subject, paying special attention to motorcycle user needs, the statement added.
DSSOPT said that it is taking all opinions into account from the current public consultation on the new urban reclaimed land areas. The public consultation period ends on August 8.
DSSOPT is in charge of coordinating and planning the five new reclaimed land zones. The bureau said that it paid great attention to community needs when drawing Zone A’s blueprint, making sure to reserve enough space for public facilities such as healthcare, education and recreation institutions.
A second consultation briefing was held last weekend. A DSSOPT official said that the Zone A blueprint would take into account the planning of various infrastructures, including the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge, and the Outer Harbor, so as to better coordinate transport and community facilities in Macau’s eastern districts.
DSSOPT said that participants at the last briefing focused on: Zone A’s residential units and surrounding public equipment; the landscape of Zone B; and the fourth link between Macau and Taipa, among other issues.
Reclamation Zone A will feature 32,000 residential units to accommodate 96,000 people. Government representatives said that the zone’s master plan already foresees an increase in the number of public facilities planned, including healthcare units, schools, community centers and sports infrastructure.
Participants have raised concerns over transportation issues and the height of Zone A’s buildings, which could have an impact on the visual landscape. Attendees also called for the planning of a more sustainable and green transportation network.
The government reiterated that it will act according to the law governing Macau’s historic center. It added that the blueprint for Zone B will be planned after hearing the public and experts’ opinions, while taking into consideration proposals submitted by the public works and cultural affairs departments.
Up until August 8, stakeholders and the public can submit their opinions to the bureau via email (abcde@dssopt.gov.mo), fax (28340019) or by taking part in the third consultation briefing to be held on August 1 at Tap Seac’s Glass House.