New Bridge Opens in China

According to Chinese state media, a new bridge called the Grand Canyon Bridge in Shan Jiang opened to traffic for the first time on Sunday.

This bridge is located in Guizhou Province, and it spans above the Beipan River, crossing the Jiang Valley.

Standing at about 2,050 feet high, it is reported to be the tallest bridge in the world. The total length of the bridge measures approximately 10,000 feet, with its main section spanning around 5,000 feet.

Zhang Shenglin, who serves as the chief engineer at Guizhou Highway Engineering Group, mentioned that this bridge represents a significant feat by “bridging the cracks of the Earth.”

He added that the construction of this bridge will not only demonstrate China’s engineering prowess but also support Guizhou in its aspiration to become an attractive global tourist spot.

After three years of construction, this newly finished bridge is expected to cut travel times by up to two hours, as reported by various sources.

Professor Mamdouh El-Badry from the University of Civil Engineering noted that large projects like this typically require five to ten years for completion. However, the timeline can vary based on multiple factors, including environmental and logistical challenges.

In comparison, the previous record-holder, the French Mirau viaduct, is about 8,070 feet long and stands nearly 1,000 feet above the River Turn. Its towering supports each reach heights greater than the Eiffel Tower at about 1,125 feet, according to the European Space Agency.

Interestingly, there’s also the Canakkale Bridge in northwestern Türkiye, known for being the longest suspension bridge that spans over a mile.