Core Viewpoint - The completion of the main bridge structure of the Xi'an to Shiyan High-Speed Railway (referred to as "Xi-Shi High-Speed Railway") marks a significant milestone, paving the way for the railway's timely completion and operation. Group 1: Project Overview - The Xi-Shi High-Speed Railway spans 255.76 kilometers, with a designed speed of 350 kilometers per hour, starting from Xi'an in Shaanxi Province and ending in Shiyan, Hubei Province [3]. - The railway's construction includes 86.36 kilometers within Hubei Province, with a bridge and tunnel ratio of 98.85%, indicating complex geological conditions [3]. Group 2: Bridge Details - The Hanjiang Grand Bridge, located in Shiyan City, is the world's largest span beam and truss combination structure for high-speed rail, with a total length of 917.45 meters and a main span of 420 meters [7]. - This bridge employs a new beam-truss combination structure, marking its first use in high-speed rail in China, effectively controlling temperature-induced deformation and ensuring uniform stiffness distribution [7]. Group 3: Construction Achievements - The construction of the steel truss beam, which is 840 meters long, faced significant challenges, including complex line control and limited lifting space [7]. - The project team overcame multiple technical challenges during the construction phase, which lasted 1259 days since the first pile was poured on March 8, 2022 [7]. Group 4: Future Implications - The Xi-Shi High-Speed Railway is expected to open in July 2026, providing a convenient high-speed rail connection between Xi'an and Wuhan, reducing travel time to under one hour from Xi'an to Shiyan and approximately 2.5 hours from Xi'an to Wuhan [11].

Core Viewpoint - The completion of the concrete pouring for the Hanjiang Grand Bridge marks a significant milestone for the Xi'an to Shiyan High-Speed Railway (referred to as "Xi-Shi High-Speed Railway"), establishing a foundation for the full line's connectivity [1][3]. Group 1: Project Overview - The Hanjiang Grand Bridge is the largest span beam and truss combination cable-stayed bridge in China, located in Shiyan City, Hubei Province, with a total length of 917.45 meters and a main span of 420 meters [1]. - The bridge features two main towers, each standing at a height of 186.5 meters, designed by China Railway First Survey and Design Institute Group Co., Ltd. and constructed by China Railway 11th Bureau Group Co., Ltd. [1]. Group 2: Construction Challenges and Innovations - The construction faced significant challenges due to complex geological conditions and environmental factors, including high slopes, hard rock foundations, and large volume concrete works [2]. - A technology research team was established to overcome various technical difficulties, resulting in 54 patent applications and advancements in construction techniques, including intelligent temperature control for large volume concrete [2]. Group 3: Environmental Considerations - The project emphasizes ecological protection and green construction practices, with measures taken to minimize environmental impact during construction, such as conducting work during dry seasons and using ships for mud storage [2]. Group 4: Economic and Strategic Importance - Upon completion, the Xi-Shi High-Speed Railway will create a convenient high-speed rail corridor between Xi'an and Wuhan, reducing travel time from 5 hours to approximately 2.5 hours, thereby enhancing connectivity between urban clusters and supporting national development strategies [3].