Installation of the final 35-metric-ton piece of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge - an expansion joint - was completed on Tuesday, marking the start of the next phase of the gigantic bridge project.

Zhu Yongling, director of the bridge authority, made the announcement in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, on Tuesday after the installation was completed.

"This means construction of the 22.9-kilometer-long bridge, which is a major component of the project, has been completed," Zhu told media.