On June 30, the highly anticipated Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link in south China’s Guangdong Province will officially open to traffic, marking a significant milestone in the region’s infrastructure development. The 24-kilometer passage starts at the Shenzhen airport interchange and connects with Ma’anshan Island in Zhongshan across the Pearl River. Upon opening, travel time between Shenzhen and Zhongshan will be reduced from two hours to less than 30 minutes.
This megaproject comprises an underwater tunnel, two state-of-the-art bridges, and two artificial islands, establishing it as one of the most challenging cross-sea cluster projects ever undertaken. Boasting ten world records, the Link symbolizes China’s engineering prowess and innovation.
At the heart of the project is the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge, featuring a span of 1,666 meters. It holds the record for the world’s largest span for a fully offshore steel box girder suspension bridge. With an unprecedented air traffic clearance altitude of 76.5 meters, it offers the highest allowable clearance for air traffic globally.
Additionally, the bridge boasts the world’s largest offshore suspension bridge anchor, weighing an astonishing 1 million tonnes. Designed to withstand extreme conditions, it has passed wind resistance tests at speeds up to 88 meters per second, the highest ever for a suspension bridge.
The west artificial island on Lingdingyang Bay has emerged as a new landmark, symbolizing the fusion of advanced engineering and natural beauty. The island, along with the rest of the Link, is expected to foster economic growth, enhance connectivity, and promote cultural exchange within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
The opening of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link not only transforms regional transportation but also exemplifies China’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of engineering. Travelers, business professionals, and cultural enthusiasts alike can look forward to the enhanced accessibility and opportunities this monumental project brings.
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Shenzhen-Zhongshan megaproject to open to traffic on June 30
cgtn.com
