The bridge's impact on the environment will be kept to a minimum and the project will generate substantial economic benefits, she said.

Adoption of a northern alignment was recommended last month, with landings at San Shek Wan on Lantau, Gongbei in Zhuhei and A Perola in Macau. Director of Highways Mak Chai-kong noted the northern alignment will be the most cost-effective among the three alignments proposed. It will also have the least disturbance to the ecology, as the bridge structure will not touch any land area of Lantau and it will span across the San Shek Wan headland.

Liao ruled out the possibility of including rail in the project, saying it would not be cost-effective.