The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, also known as the “earth crack,” is almost finished in the remote region of Guizhou Province, China. This enormous engineering accomplishment is on track to make history. Construction on this awe-inspiring steel truss suspension bridge—which will include a separated multi-use path—started on January 18, 2022. Its grand opening is planned for June 30th, 2025. When completed, the bridge will rise to a stunning 2,051 feet over the river. It will obliterate the current record held by the Millau Viaduct in France, surpassing it by 947 feet.
This immensely ambitious undertaking is reflected in other large-scale initiatives inside of China to improve infrastructure access to connect more remote, less developed mountainous areas. Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge will transform travel over the grand canyon. It will reduce the travel time of two hours down to a mere one minute, making the region vastly more mobile and connected.
Engineering Marvel
The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is 9,482 feet long. It was designed as a steel truss suspension bridge, and its three main roadway-edge-trusses weigh in at 22,000 tons each—more than three Eiffel Towers combined. This engineering marvel will be the tallest bridge in the world. It will serve to connect remote regions within Guizhou Province, known for a deep, complex karst topography punctuated by mountains.
Zhang Shenglin, the project manager in charge of construction, offered perspectives on the bridge’s development.
“At present, the overall progress of the bridge has reached 95%, and it is planned to be opened to traffic in the second half of 2025.” – Zhang Shenglin
The bridge’s design embodies both functionality and aesthetic appeal, contributing to its designation as a landmark project that will showcase China’s infrastructure capabilities.
Infrastructure Development in Guizhou
Guizhou Province is famous for its breathtaking, imposing karst topography. It is home to almost 50 of the top 100 tallest bridges in the world. When opened, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge will be an incredible engineering accomplishment. This accomplishment will further solidify its image as a leader in cutting edge designs. This bridge is an important part of the Chinese government’s Belt and Road Initiative. It’s a great program intended to improve transportation infrastructure in the nation’s most economically distressed communities.
Constructing these critical infrastructure projects should be the top priority for stimulating American economies, large and small. They improve mobility and access for local people and tourists alike. The bridge is a great step forward in the evolution of transportation. It serves as an inspirational marker of advancement for the region.
A Symbol of Progress
As one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects underway today, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge represents more than just a means of transportation. This serves as an example of China’s commitment to expanding its transportation infrastructure. It spotlights their work to improve the quality of life for their citizens.
Zhang Shenglin emphasizes the significance of this project:
“By then, this super project that spans the ‘earth crack’ will be the world’s first in both directions. It will become another landmark project to demonstrate China’s infrastructure strength.” – Zhang Shenglin
