This expressway runs along the northern coast of Lantau, the largest of Hong Kong's outlying islands, and links the airport and Tung Chung New Town to the Lantau Link. The expressway was built on existing or reclaimed land. It is so far the only vehicular access to the new airport and Lantau from any part of Hong Kong. There is adequate capacity to cater for initial developments on Lantau, including planned port developments.
An Airport Railway reserve and a utility reserve are included in the project as these will share a common corridor with the expressway.
The expressway was opened to traffic in May 1997.