subject: Iconic Civil And Structural Engineering - Hangzhou Bay Bridge [print this page] The Hangzhou Bay Bridge is the longest cross-sea bridge in the world. At 22 miles long (36 km), the Hangzhou Bay Bridge in eastern China links Jiaxing in the north to Cixi City in the south, shortening the distance between Ningbo and Shangai by 120 km.
The bridge has been constructed in one of the country's most prosperous regions and is set to strengthen development of the Yangtze River delta, also referred to as the golden industrial triangle. This triangle comprises Ningbo, Shanghai and Hangzhou and has the most rapidly growing economy in China.
Around eight per cent of the nation's total population lives in the Yangtze River delta area and its booming economy contributes over 21% of China's gross domestic product. The opening of the Hangzhou Bay Bridge offers new economic possibilities, particularly for Ningbo, as it is China's second largest cargo port.
So how exactly does the Hangzhou Bay Bridge cross the sea?
This sleek feat of modern engineering is a cable-stayed bridge, which snakes six lanes in either direction in the shape of a massive S. This form is believed to minimise the effects of the powerful annual tidal wave known locally as the Silver Dragon.
The Hangzhou Bay Bridge has two main spans to the north and south, measuring 448 metres and 318 metres respectively, and has an orthotropic steel deck.
Taking more than six hundred experts almost a decade of feasibility studies to design, the Hangzhou Bay Bridge was eventually approved in 2003. It cost US$ 1.7 billion (11.8 billion yuan) to construct and its lifespan is expected to be at least a hundred years.
Although the final link was made in 2007, followed by an official opening ceremony, the Hangzhou Bay Bridge was not opened to the public until 2008, as thorough testing first needed to be carried out to ensure its safety.
The speed limit on the bridge is 100 km (62 miles) per hour and vehicles pay a toll fee of 80 yuan to cross over. Drivers in danger of becoming mesmerised are kept alert by means of the flashing coloured lights that decorate the length of the bridge. There are plans for a service centre to be built on an island at the bridge's midpoint, including a restaurant, hotel and petrol station, plus public parks at either end.
These additions will further enhance this amazing piece of architecture, making the Hangzhou Bay Bridge not only an important link between two developing regions, but also a popular tourist attraction.
