Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge clears final test, set to become world’s tallest
The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou province has completed its final load testing, moving it closer to opening to traffic later this September. The rigorous evaluation — a combination of static and dynamic tests — involved 96 heavy trucks totalling about 3,300 tonnes rolling onto the deck in batches while more than 400 sensors monitored movements across the main span, towers, cables and suspenders.
The five-day process confirmed the bridge’s structural strength, stiffness and dynamic performance met safety standards. The project is slated to open to vehicles in late September, after a sequence of high-precision construction milestones.
Once finished, the bridge will span 2,890 metres end-to-end, with a central span of 1,420 metres. It rises about 625 metres above the water, making it the tallest bridge on Earth by height. Construction began in January 2022, and the main span was joined earlier this year.
For local travelers, the impact will be immediate. Crossing the canyon will drop from about two hours to roughly two minutes, as the new linkage becomes a key component of Guizhou’s expressway network aimed at weaving the rugged interior more tightly into the province’s economy and mobility map.
Guizhou, known for its karst landscapes and lack of plains, has long relied on tunnels and bridges to connect its communities. The province already hosts more than 30,000 bridges and holds three of the world’s tallest, earning it the nickname “the world’s bridge museum.” Combined, Guizhou’s built and under-construction spans exceed 5,400 kilometres, nearly matching China’s north–south distance.
The bridge’s project team faced challenges from extreme canyon slopes to large-scale concrete pours and high winds, but officials say the efforts have paid off, delivering a record-breaking bridge that will be a catalyst for regional development and a testament to engineering prowess in one of China’s most rugged terrains.
Context and implications
– A milestone in China’s push to knit together its interior regions with modern highways.
– A potential boost to local economies through reduced travel times and improved logistics.
– Part of a broader trend of high-profile, record-setting bridges in Guizhou, underscoring the province’s reputation as a hub of transformative infrastructure.
Summary
The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge has passed its final load tests and is on track to open later this September, set to become the world’s tallest bridge by height above water. Its completion promises dramatic improvements in mobility across Guizhou’s dramatic karst landscape and reinforces the province’s standing as a leader in challenging, large-scale bridge construction.
Notes
– This project highlights advanced sensor networks and engineering techniques used to ensure safety across a structure of this scale.
– The bridge’s completion will further feature Guizhou’s ongoing mission to connect remote communities through faster, safer, and more reliable travel networks.