The Y-shaped bridge would run from north of Tai O on outlying Lantau Island to Macao and Zhuhai under proposals being finalised by the team, the South China Morning Post quoted a source close to the feasibility study as saying.

The government proposal, to be revealed in the next few weeks, was similar to the one proposed by Hopewell Holdings chairman Gordon Wu, who has estimated it would cost about 15 billion Hong Kong dollars (US$1.92 billion) and could be completed by 2005.

The source said the government had begun discussions with the State Development Planning Commission over the project and the Chinese authorities would act as co-ordinator between the Guangdong, Zhuhai and Macao governments.

The Hong Kong administration's proposal would not significantly affect finances as only one-eighth the bridge would lie in Hong Kong waters.

This meant the territory would not have to pay the bulk of the construction bill, the source added.

Chief executive Tung Chee-hwa told reporters last week that Chinese premier Zhu Rongji had expressed support for the project during his visit to Hong Kong as it could promote closer economic ties.

Tung had said he believed a decision would be made soon.

The proposed bridge is being considered as a way of easing congestion at border crossings between Hong Kong and China.

Wu has actively promoted the plan to build the bridge along the southern Chinese coast, but the proposal has been met with opposition from Hutchison Whampoa Ltd., the world's biggest port operator.

Hutchison, owned by tycoon Li Ka-shing, is protesting a proposal which would reward companies funding the link with container terminal concessions.

(People's Daily December 2, 2002)