The Changtai Yangtze River Bridge, recognized as the world's largest cable-stayed bridge, has achieved full connectivity in Jiangsu Province, China. This engineering marvel is set to open to traffic by the end of April next year.

Spanning a total length of 10.3 kilometers, which includes 5.3 kilometers dedicated to road and rail sections, the bridge serves as a vital link between the cities of Changzhou and Taizhou. It is the first cross-river facility to integrate highway, intercity railway, and ordinary roads over the Yangtze River, the third longest river globally.

The remarkable structure features a steel truss cable-stayed design with a main span measuring an impressive 1,208 meters. Additionally, it includes two striking steel truss arch bridges with main spans of 388 meters each, alongside a continuous steel truss bridge 3×124 meters in length. Together, these components set several world records.

As a pinnacle of engineering excellence, the Changtai Yangtze River Bridge establishes new benchmarks, including the largest span for a cable-stayed bridge and the longest continuous steel truss structure worldwide. Its rich design showcases advanced engineering techniques.

In a significant engineering accomplishment, the closure of the main girder was achieved within a remarkable accuracy of less than 2 millimeters. The construction team employed meticulous techniques ensuring precise alignment during the bridge's closure.

This process involved careful adjustments in spacing and height discrepancies by managing cable tension, as well as employing additional methods like temporary load movement. These strategic measures were crucial in maintaining consistent elevation and rotation angles for the steel trusses on both sides.

Li Haifeng, the deputy head at the construction site, mentioned that the next phase will involve the construction of ancillary facilities. The bridge is expected to successfully complete both dynamic and static load testing by the end of April.

Once operational, the Changtai Yangtze River Bridge is poised to significantly enhance the regional road network and support synchronized development within the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration. Its strategic importance extends to national initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt.