Abstract:

Trans-strait bridges have significant time-space compression effect and can greatly enhance the transport and economic connection of urban agglomerations. This research used the accessibility analysis model and four indices, including weighted average travel time, daily accessibility, potential accessibility and coefficient of variance, to assess the comprehensive impacts of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge (SZB) on the Pearl River Delta regional accessibility and regional equity. The results showed that: the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge greatly improved the regional accessibility, and the south region benefited more than the north part, including the Zhuhai City, Jiangmen City and Zhongshan City, while the north of the Humen Bridge was less impacted. The west region was not as significantly improved as the east region due to the high population and economic density in the east region. Zhongshan City and Zhuhai City had the largest population increase in their 1-hour isochronous rings. Shenzhen City and Hong Kong in the east part and Zhongshan City and Jiangmen City in the west part of the Pearl River Delta became the biggest winners in terms of potential accessibility. Zhongshan City, Dongguan City and Foshan City had decreased accessibility coefficients of variance, and accessibility and spatial equity were improved. Eight cities and regions, including Zhuhai City, Jiangmen City, Hong Kong, Macao, Shenzhen City, Guangzhou City, Zhaoqing City and Huizhou City had increased accessibility coefficients of variance and the accessibility and spatial equity reduced. Finally, the paper gave three decision-making suggestions to optimize the function of the Bridge.

Key words: Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge, accessibility, the Pearl River Delta, potential accessibility, equity