
The world's tallest bridge has successfully completed its final load test before officially opening to traffic by the end of September. Located in Guizhou, southwest China, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is perched at an astonishing 2,050 feet above the ground which is twice the height of the Eiffel Tower and nearly twice as tall as the Shard. This record-breaking bridge which is also called the "earth's crack" will connect the towns of Liuzhi and Anlong and the counties of Guanling and Zhenfeng above the Beipan River and slashing travel times from two hours to just two minutes.
Drivers crossing the bridge on certain days may literally pass through clouds, offering one of the most scenic and surreal drives on the planet. Not only is the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge the world's highest bridge but it is also the largest mountain bridge span in the world.
Building the bridge was no simple project. Built in one of China's most geologically complex regions, it had to withstand intense valley winds, temperature swings, and steep canyon walls.
Construction began in January 2022 and took more than three and a half years to complete.
The design is a hybrid suspension bridge reinforced with a massive 22,000-tonne steel truss system, supported by two colossal towers, one standing 262 meters high and the other 205 meters.
Advanced wind-resistance technology, thermal expansion materials, and monitoring systems were built in to ensure long-term structural stability.
Before welcoming traffic, the bridge underwent a rigorous five day load test in August. A fleet of 96 fully-loaded trucks weighing over 3,300 tonnes was driven across the bridge in various patterns to test stress, stiffness, and overall structural integrity.
Sensors placed throughout the bridge monitored performance under simulated traffic conditions. The bridge passed every test, confirming that it meets all national safety and performance standards, paving the way for its official opening by the end of September.
This means that the new Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge will overtake the bridge that was previously the highest in the world which is located not so far away.
The Duge Bridge, also located in China's Guizhou province soars over 565 metres above the Nizhu River and stands as a remarkable feat of modern engineering.
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