Special Stamp Issue - "Stonecutters Bridge"

Mint Stamps

A set of stamps on the theme of "Stonecutters Bridge" will be issued on 17 December 2009 (Thursday).

Stonecutters Bridge straddles the Rambler Channel at the entrance to the Kwai Chung Container Port. The approaches from Stonecutters Island on the east and Tsing Yi Island on the west are located near Container Terminals 8 and 9, respectively, and the connection forms a major part of the section of Route 8 between Tsing Yi and Cheung Sha Wan. Construction commenced in 2004 for commissioning in December 2009 after completion of the bridge deck in April 2009. Hongkong Post issues a set of special stamps to recognize this new icon of Hong Kong.

The dual 3-lane bridge is 1,596 metres long with a main span measuring 1,018 metres, the second longest cable-stayed span in the world. Supported by 224 cables running from two circular tapered towers of almost 300 metres in height, the bridge provides a navigation channel with 73.5 metres vertical clearance and 900 metres horizontal clearance for the safe passage of mega container vessels.

The bridge design is based on the winning entry of an international bridge design competition organised by the Highways Department in 2000. The two towers are constructed of steel and concrete with a stainless steel skin covering the upper portion. This unique composite design gives the bridge a modern look, echoing Hong Kong's image as a cosmopolitan city in Asia.

The stamps showcase the splendour of the bridge from various angles - an upward view of the lofty girders and the tower ($1.40); a long shot illustrating the architectural ingenuity of this magnificent structure ($2.40); a view from sea level of the hustle and bustle of the container port under the bridge ($3); and a bird's eye perspective of the tower demonstrating the beauty of the stay cables unfolding fanlike along its length ($5). Against the azure sky and the sapphire sea, birds glide over the bridge which stands majestically across the channel, busy with land and marine traffic, presenting a harmonious integration of technology into the environment.

Sales Arrangements

Information about the sale of philatelic products associated with this set of stamps is as follows:

Remarks:

1. The above philatelic products are included in the 2009 Local Standing Order Service / 2009 Overseas Mail Order Service. For local customers, please contact Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau Hotline for enquiry at 2785 5711 or fax to 2191 9296.
2. For overseas customers, please ensure there is sufficient balance in your account to pay your advance order. Otherwise, your order will be processed only when the stock is still available after all orders have been fulfilled. For any enquiries, please contact Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau (Overseas Mail Order Service Unit) Hotline at 852-2928 7211 or fax to 852-2850 6552.

Official First Day Covers at $1 each will be put on sale at all post offices as from 3 December 2009. The stamps and the associated philatelic products will be displayed at General Post Office, Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office, Tsuen Wan Post Office and Shatin Central Post Office as from the same day. Advance orders for servicing self-provided covers will be accepted at all philatelic offices from 3 to 9 December 2009.

Hand-back Datestamping Arrangements

A hand-back datestamping service by the office steel datestamp and the special postmark will be provided on 17 December 2009 at all post offices, for official and privately-made covers, bearing the first day of issue indication and a local address, while the "Philatelic Bureau" pictorial postmark and philatelic office pictorial postmark for hand-back datestamping service will be provided at all philatelic offices on that day. However, the GPO-1 datestamp will only be available at the General Post Office.

Furthermore, public hall of the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau on 1/F., Trade Square, 681 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon will open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on 17 December 2009 to provide datestamping service by the "Philatelic Bureau" pictorial postmark and the special postmark.

Stamp Printing Details

Souvenir Sheet	Special Postmark		Postage Prepaid Picture Cards (Air Mail)
Presentation Pack (cover and inside design)		Souvenir Pack (cover and inside design) (Souvenir - Stainless steel ruler showing the sketch of the Bridge similar to the stamp)
Serviced First Day Cover affixed with a set of Mint Stamps		Serviced First Day Cover affixed with a Souvenir Sheet