While this single-tower, single-span bridge in China is not the only one of its kind in the world, it is the longest bridge in this category.
Lvzhijiang Suspension Bridge spanning the river valley. (Photo: CNN)
Extending 798 meters across a river valley, the complexity of the Lvzhijiang Bridge has led to its being hailed as an engineering marvel. The suspension bridge above the Lvzhijiang River emerges from a tunnel on steep mountain slopes on either side of the valley. According to Chinese authorities, the bridge breaks several world records.
Built over a V-shaped valley in mountainous terrain, it is the longest single-span suspension bridge in the world with a single tower and no additional supports. Officials state that the span of the bridge measures 780 meters. Additionally, the bridge features the steepest cable anchor tunnel in the world, at a 54-degree angle.
The maximum speed limit on the bridge is 100 km/h.
Due to the rugged terrain of the area, all major supporting components, including the 156-meter high tower, the concrete approach to the bridge, and the cable anchor tunnel, were constructed on steep slopes. The project manager noted that the height difference between the bridge deck and the assembly area is 320 meters, equivalent to a 100-story building. Few structures in China exhibit such complexity.
Construction began in 2019, and engineers actively implemented the project with a focus on safety and environmental protection. They established virtual reality experience rooms to assess safety levels, allowing the project to overcome many terrain-related challenges.
The bridge will significantly shorten travel time between Yuxi City and the Dihong Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan. The maximum speed limit on the bridge is 100 km/h. Starting construction in 2019, the project took four years to complete. The steel girders of the bridge are divided into 61 segments, with a total weight of approximately 10,000 tons. Both Yuxi and the Dihong Autonomous Prefecture are located in the central part of Yunnan Province, between major cities such as Kunming and Dali.
The suspension bridge over the river, emerging from a tunnel on steep mountain slopes on either side of the valley.
This bridge contributes to improving infrastructure, promoting transportation and economic exchanges in the areas on both sides of the bridge, enhancing the investment environment, thereby increasing opportunities for wealth generation for the local population.
The Lvzhijiang Bridge is a crucial segment of the Yuchu Expressway, which stretches 190 kilometers, as well as part of Yunnan’s extensive 9,000-kilometer highway network. The Yuchu Expressway connects Yunnan with other important national highways, such as the Hangzhou – Shuili and Guangzhou – Kunming routes.
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