The Yim Tin Bridge and the Po Chue Tam Bridge, linking the banks of the Tai O River, will open to the public from 9am tomorrow, following an opening ceremony today attended by Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn, Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak and Director of Civil Engineering & Development Michael Fong.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Linn said that the completion of the Tai O Twin Bridges opens a new chapter for the co-existence of development and conservation in Tai O.
She highlighted that the bridges are movable in order to accommodate the Dragon Boat Water Parade, a national intangible cultural heritage event.
Ms Linn added: “The project strikes a balance between connectivity in the region and cultural traditions. While enhancing infrastructure, it preserves the unique historical and cultural charm of Tai O. The twin bridges have become a new landmark fostering community connections and injecting new vitality into Tai O.”
The Yim Tin Bridge is Hong Kong’s first retractable bridge, mimicking the characteristics of Tai O’s historic hand-pulled ferry, while the Po Chue Tam Bridge adopts a rotational design that harmonises with the nearby Yeung Hau Temple and showcases cultural conservation.
The bridges project collected design concepts through public engagement, with the designs chosen ultimately integrating Tai O’s distinctive characteristics in a balance of practical function and local culture.
The Yim Tin Bridge and the Po Chue Tam Bridge are the core facilities under the “Improvement Works at Tai O – Phase 2, Stage 2” projects, which aims to comprehensively enhance community facilities in Tai O.
