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China Nears Completion of Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, Set to Become World’s Tallest
China is poised to inaugurate the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, an engineering marvel projected to become the world’s highest bridge, dwarfing even the Eiffel Tower in stature. This monumental infrastructure project in Guizhou Province is not only breaking records but also promising to significantly reduce travel times and boost local tourism.
Key Features of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge
The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, slated to open in June, stretches nearly two miles in length and will dramatically cut travel duration across the deep gorge. Journeys that previously took over an hour will be reduced to mere minutes, enhancing connectivity in the region.
- Height: Approximately 625 meters (2,050 feet) above the river level.
- World’s Tallest: Surpasses the height of the Empire State Building by almost 200 meters.
- Location: Spans the Beipan River in Guizhou Province, known for its mountainous terrain.
- Weight: Constructed with 22,000 tons of steel, equivalent to three Eiffel Towers.
Reducing Travel Time and Enhancing Connectivity
Motorists traversing the 22,000-ton structure will experience breathtaking altitudes as they cross this engineering achievement. The bridge is a crucial component of a new motorway linking Liuzhi and Anlong areas in southwestern Guizhou Province. Construction on this ambitious project commenced in 2022.
Economic and Tourism Impact
With an investment of £216 million, officials anticipate that the bridge will be a catalyst for tourism and economic growth in the region. Chen Jianlei, deputy director of the Guizhou Transport Department, emphasized the bridge’s role in strengthening economic bonds between key regional cities, fostering broader economic integration.
Showcasing Engineering Prowess
Zhang Shenglin, a deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress, highlighted the project’s significance in showcasing China’s engineering capabilities on a global stage. He stated that the “super project” across the “Earth’s crack” would elevate Guizhou’s status as a world-class tourist destination.
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The installation of the bridge’s massive steel trusses, weighing 22,000 metric tons, was completed in an impressive two-month timeframe, demonstrating remarkable construction efficiency.
Engineer’s Perspective
Li Zhao, chief engineer of the project, expressed deep personal satisfaction in witnessing the bridge’s evolution. He noted the profound sense of achievement and pride in seeing his work materialize into a towering structure above the canyon.
World-Leading Span and Mountainous Construction
Beyond its height, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is also poised to become the world’s largest span bridge built in a mountainous area, measuring 1,420 meters (4,650 ft) in length. This distinction underscores the complexity and innovation involved in the project.
Guizhou: A Hub of Bridge Engineering
Guizhou’s landscape, characterized by 92.5 percent mountainous and hilly terrain, has driven significant advancements in bridge construction. The province has constructed nearly 30,000 bridges since the late 1970s and now hosts almost half of the world’s 100 tallest bridges, solidifying its position as a global leader in bridge engineering.
Overcoming Construction Challenges
Alimak, a Stockholm-based company that supplied equipment for the project, acknowledged the substantial challenges posed by the location and demanding weather conditions during construction. Wu Chaoming, a senior engineer involved in the construction, detailed the use of the “world’s largest span cable hoisting system” to successfully complete the steel girder hoisting across the Beipan River.
Final Construction Stages and Future Tourist Attraction
The final steel truss segment, weighing 215 tons, was successfully lifted into position in January, marking the completion of the main structural framework. Currently, remaining tasks include main cable wrapping, painting, and the installation of minor facilities.
The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is envisioned not only as a transportation artery but also as a tourist destination in its own right. Plans are underway to incorporate private accommodation, a glass walkway, and what is intended to be the world’s highest bungee jump, further enhancing its appeal.
Predecessor in Guizhou
Currently, the world’s tallest bridge title is held by the Beipanjiang Bridge, also situated in Guizhou. This existing bridge, spanning the Beipan River between Guizhou and Yunnan provinces, stands 565 meters above the river and has reduced travel time between these provinces significantly.