China has officially opened the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, now recognized as the world’s highest bridge, transforming travel across one of the country’s most rugged terrains. Towering 625 metres above the Beipan River, the bridge has reduced travel time across the canyon from two hours to just two minutes.
Located in Guizhou province, the bridge spans the vast Huajiang Grand Canyon—an area long considered a challenge for infrastructure development. The bridge’s opening marks a significant milestone in China’s ongoing effort to enhance connectivity in its mountainous southwest region.
According to the BBC, the new bridge has slashed journey times for commuters and cargo transport, boosting economic potential and regional access.
### A Spectacle in the Skies
On Sunday, state media broadcast live drone footage showing vehicles crossing the massive structure, with its striking blue support towers rising through the mist and clouds. The opening ceremony drew crowds of local residents, engineers, and government officials, many of whom expressed pride in the accomplishment during live interviews, news agency AFP reported.
The bridge is not only an engineering feat but also a tourist attraction. It features a 207-metre sightseeing elevator, sky cafes, and viewing platforms that offer panoramic views of the breathtaking canyon landscape below.
### Rigorous Safety Testing
Before its opening, the bridge underwent extensive structural testing. Engineers conducted a large-scale load test by positioning 96 trucks across the deck to simulate high traffic loads. Over 400 sensors monitored the bridge’s main span, towers, cables, and suspenders for any signs of stress or movement, ensuring the bridge met strict safety standards.
### Record-Breaking Specifications
The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge now holds two world records:
– The highest bridge in the world, standing 625 metres above the canyon floor
– The largest-span bridge ever built in mountainous terrain, with a main span of 1,420 metres
In total, the bridge stretches 2,900 metres in length.
Project Manager Wu Zhaoming, from Guizhou Transportation Investment Group Co Ltd, detailed the formidable challenges faced during construction. These included stabilizing steep canyon slopes, managing concrete pours amid extreme temperature variations, and mitigating the effects of strong wind conditions high above the valley.
With the opening of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, China now dominates the list of the world’s tallest bridges, with eight of the top 10 located in Guizhou province alone.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/china-unveils-world-s-highest-bridge-huajiang-grand-canyon-slashes-travel-time-to-just-2-minutes-23596347