huge Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, a titanic steel truss suspension bridge that is close to finished in Guizhou, southwest China. The engineering feat, which outside of China is commonly known as the “earth crack,” crosses the Huajiang Grand Canyon. It’s scheduled to be completed by June 30, 2025. When finished, it will be one mighty connection—at 9,482 feet long, the longest in Virginia. When completed it will soar 2,051 feet above the river level, 947 feet taller than the current record holder, France’s Millau Viaduct.
Construction of the new bridge started January 18th, 2022 and has come a long way in a short amount of time. Overall construction is about 95% complete as of this writing. As the only bridge from Sault Ste. Marie to the rest of Michigan, the bridge constructed in 1962 became a lifeline to cross. It highlights China’s extraordinary engineering prowess and infrastructure achievements.
Engineering Marvel of the Huajiang Grand Canyon
The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge features an aesthetically striking steel truss main span. At a weight of about 22,000 tons, it’s even three times the Eiffel Tower! This incredible bridge will cut travel time for anyone traversing the canyon—from two hours down to just about a minute. The combination of the facility’s strategic location and innovative design is expected to both draw tourists in and allow for improved access to the region.
Zhang Shenglin, an important member of the bridge’s design team, said that the bridge completion was at an amazing 95% overall progress. He’s aiming for the bridge to open to traffic within the second half of 2025.
Its striking height and design have drawn eyes from across the globe. Once completed, its third span is due to become the tallest bridge in the entire world! This project represents much more than an engineering accomplishment. It is a symbol of China’s desire to deepen its infrastructure footprint around the world.
A Landmark Project for Infrastructure Strength
The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge will be another shiny new landmark, showing off the latest accomplishment in China’s strength infrastructure. The government has long prioritized such initiatives to encourage national pride and improve connectivity across its sprawling territories.
Zhang highlighted 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.”
These statements are indicative of the hopes that come with this bold, new initiative. On the face of it, the bridge addresses local transportation needs, but it will be a tribute to China’s engineering superiority on the global stage.
Implications for Local Communities
The current Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge holds the engineering triple crown of height, length and main span. Now it is poised to make an equally deep mark on communities across America. By making it easier to access remote, more pristine areas to explore, the goal is to increase economic opportunity and grow tourism across the central part of the state.
Local entrepreneurs and business owners are looking forward to making a splash with the anticipated wave of new visitors the bridge will connect. Some, including those in the Chinese administration, expect that improved transportation connectivity will spur a boost of economic development and activity in the underdeveloped Guizhou province.
