Started in April 1977 and completed in 1980, the first bridge had one lane of traffic in each direction.

During the construction, he realised that the pre-stressed cantilevers of the bridge would not be able to meet in the centre, which needed an "emergency raise".

Legislators approved funding for the Second Ap Lei Chau Bridge on 1 May 1991.

[6] The first person to drive across it was Kwong Hon-sang, Director of Highways, officiating at the opening ceremony.

[6] The two bridges are Ap Lei Chau's only road links with Hong Kong Island.