A groundbreaking bridge is nearing its grand opening after successfully completing the last phase of necessary testing.
The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge located in Guizhou, southwest China, is set to break several world records upon its opening in late September.
Reaching a staggering height of 625 meters (2,051 feet), this bridge will be nearly double the height of New York’s Empire State Building, which stands at 1,454 feet including its spine and antenna.
Stretching 1,420 meters (4,659 feet), it is poised to become the highest suspension bridge in the world, as well as the largest span bridge constructed in a mountainous region.
The bridge traverses the Beipan River through the Huajiang Grand Canyon and supports the Liuzhi–Anlong Expressway, linking Liuzhi Special District and Anlong County.
Currently, travelers have to navigate a winding, 90-minute route around cliffs and through switchbacks.
However, with the completion of the new bridge, their commute will be reduced to a swift 90-second scenic drive, all while preserving the stunning views.
This massive $280 million project started its construction in 2022.
The construction team assembled 93 colossal steel truss segments, each weighing as much as a commercial airliner, and elevated them hundreds of meters above the river.
For safety enthusiasts, you’d be pleased to know that on Monday (August 25), 96 lorries carrying 3,360 tonnes traversed the bridge over five days, confirming its capacity to withstand substantial weight (via The National).
Having passed a critical stress test, the remarkable viaduct is just weeks away from opening to the public. Local officials anticipate that the record-setting bridge will also enhance tourism in the area.
To promote this idea, they have incorporated a 200-meter-high sightseeing elevator leading to a tower-top viewpoint, internal truss walkways with glass floors, and even a bungee jumping platform. Not for the faint-hearted…
Upon opening, it will hold the title of the world’s highest bridge by deck-to-ground measurement, from the roadway down to the river.
This surpasses the previous 565-meter record held by Beipanjiang’s Duge Bridge.
However, it will not claim the title of tallest bridge. ‘Highest’ refers to the vertical distance from the deck to the valley floor, while ‘tallest’ pertains to the physical height of the bridge, including the towering pylons that support the suspension cables.
France’s Millau Viaduct in Europe retains the title for tallest bridge, with towers rising 343 meters (1,125 feet) above the Tarn Valley.
Despite this, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge remains a monumental achievement for China; from adventurous bungee jumpers to commuters saving hours by driving across it, this structure is set to be an unforgettable engineering milestone.