Core Viewpoint - The Zhang Jinggao Yangtze River Bridge is a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity in the Yangtze River Delta region, showcasing advanced engineering and innovative technologies [1][5]. Group 1: Project Overview - The bridge, approximately 29.85 kilometers long, is a key project during China's 14th Five-Year Plan, expected to be completed by the end of 2028 [1]. - The construction of the bridge began with a groundbreaking ceremony on June 28, 2022, and the main engineering work commenced in October of the same year [1]. Group 2: Engineering Innovations - The bridge features six world records, including the longest span for a suspension bridge at 2,300 meters and the highest suspension bridge tower [2]. - Innovative technologies include a self-balancing cable force system, ultra-high-strength main cables, and a digital bridge concept that integrates smart monitoring and maintenance systems [2][4]. Group 3: Environmental Impact - The application of the self-balancing cable force technology is projected to save 15,700 cubic meters of concrete and 12,560 tons of steel, reducing carbon emissions by over 80,000 tons [2]. Group 4: Operational Safety - The bridge will utilize sensors to collect real-time data on environmental conditions and structural responses, aiding in scientific decision-making for its operation and maintenance [3]. Group 5: Strategic Importance - The bridge is a crucial initiative for the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta and the Yangtze Economic Belt, aiming to become a model for transportation infrastructure and bridge technology innovation in China [5].

Group 1 - The Zhang Jinggao Yangtze River Bridge has successfully completed the installation of the middle crossbeam at a height of 220 meters, marking the transition to the upper tower column construction phase [1][2] - The middle crossbeam, weighing 270 tons and measuring 9.5 meters in length, 9.9 meters in width, and between 13 to 14.7 meters in height, was designed with a streamlined shape and required precise alignment during installation [1][2] - The main tower of the bridge is designed to reach a total height of 350 meters, equivalent to 125 stories, and consists of three crossbeams, with the completed middle crossbeam connecting the upstream and downstream tower columns [1][2] Group 2 - Advanced technologies such as BIM simulation and force verification were utilized to ensure the precise installation of the crossbeam, with strict requirements for width and weld seam dimensions [2] - The bridge employs a world-first steel box-steel pipe concrete constraint combination system, reducing the self-weight of the tower by 50% while enhancing its load-bearing capacity [2] - The construction of the main tower is divided into 30 segments, with the installation of the 20th segment already completed, raising the height to over 220 meters, and the tower is expected to be topped by the end of this year [3] Group 3 - The Zhang Jinggao Yangtze River Bridge is anticipated to be completed by 2028, significantly shortening travel time between the cities of Zhangjiagang, Jingjiang, and Rugao, thereby promoting regional integration in the Yangtze River Delta [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights China's rapid advancements in bridge construction, projecting that by 2030, it will achieve significant milestones including the world's longest suspension bridge and the highest bridge, redefining civil engineering limits [1][2]. Group 1: Achievements in Bridge Construction - By 2030, China is expected to have the world's longest suspension bridge, the highest bridge, and various record-breaking cable-stayed bridges [1]. - The Changtai Yangtze River Bridge, set to open this year, will become the world's largest cable-stayed bridge with a main span of 1208 meters, surpassing the current record of 1104 meters held by the Russky Island Bridge [2][4]. - The Zhangjingao Yangtze River Bridge, scheduled for completion in 2028, will feature a main span of 2300 meters, making it the world's largest suspension bridge [4][6]. Group 2: Innovative Engineering Techniques - Advanced surveying methods, modeling, and engineering technologies, including breakthroughs in material science, are driving China's bridge construction [1]. - The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and the use of automated construction equipment are expected to enhance safety and efficiency in bridge building [1]. Group 3: Notable Bridge Projects - The Danqing Grand Bridge, measuring 164.8 kilometers, holds the Guinness World Record for the longest bridge [9][11]. - The Xiyuanmen Railway and Highway Bridge in Zhejiang will become the world's largest combined rail and road bridge upon completion [12]. - The Tian'e Longtan Grand Bridge in Guangxi is currently the largest arch bridge in the world, with a main span of 600 meters, surpassing the previous record by 155 meters [13][15]. Group 4: Future Prospects - The Lion's Ocean Bridge in Guangdong is expected to become the world's first double-deck suspension bridge exceeding 2000 meters in main span [18]. - The Guanyinsi Yangtze River Bridge in Hubei is projected to become the second-largest cable-stayed bridge upon its completion in 2026 [21][22]. - The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, completed in 2018, is the longest sea-crossing bridge globally, significantly reducing travel time between the regions [22][24].

Core Insights - The completion of the core foundation construction for the Zhang Jinggao Yangtze River Bridge marks a significant milestone in the project, with the final C30 concrete poured into the foundation pit [1] - The bridge, which will feature the world's largest span for a suspension bridge, is designed to enhance connectivity in the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the Yangtze River Delta integration [6] Construction Details - The northern anchor of the bridge, located on the island of Mazhou, measures 118.05 meters in length and 75.05 meters in width, and has been constructed to withstand over one million tons of tensile force [3] - A total of 110,000 cubic meters of concrete has been poured, equivalent to filling 44 standard swimming pools, using an innovative three-layer pouring technique [3] - The project faced significant challenges, including material transportation issues, adverse weather conditions, and the need for technical innovations [3][5] Project Management Strategies - The project team implemented a 24-hour material response mechanism to ensure efficient logistics and quality control [5] - Collaboration with meteorological and emergency management departments allowed the team to optimize construction schedules based on weather conditions [5] - Technological advancements included transforming existing platforms for multi-functional use and upgrading traditional methods to improve efficiency in concrete pouring [5] Future Impact - Upon completion, the bridge will reduce travel time from Zhangjiagang to Rugao from one hour to just 20 minutes, significantly improving regional connectivity [6] - The bridge is part of the "14th Five-Year Plan" key river crossing projects, linking major highways and enhancing the transportation network across the region [6]

Group 1: Infrastructure Investment - In the first quarter, Jiangsu province completed a total transportation fixed asset investment of 564.3 billion yuan, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.8%, which accounts for 24.5% of the annual investment plan, marking the highest level for the same period in history [1] - The Changtai Yangtze River Bridge, a major project, completed an investment of 1.1 billion yuan in the first quarter, which is 60% of its annual investment plan [2] - The Zhangjinggao Yangtze River Bridge achieved an investment of 7.34 million yuan in the first quarter, with construction progressing rapidly through technological innovation [3] Group 2: Tunnel and Bridge Construction - The Jiangyin-Jingjiang Yangtze River Tunnel, currently the highest water pressure shield tunnel in China, completed its shield tunneling and is advancing with the construction of the main structure [3] - The Haitai Yangtze River Tunnel is progressing with the right line shield machine completing 81 rings of advancement, while the left line assembly is 40% complete [3] - The expansion of the Jiangsu highway network is underway, with significant progress in the Changshen, Huwu, Xiyi, and Yangli highways, with over 10 billion yuan invested in the first quarter [4][5] Group 3: Railway Development - The North Jiangsu High-Speed Railway construction is progressing, with the main tower of the bridge surpassing 100 meters in height [6] - The Nanjing metropolitan area intercity railway construction is also advancing, with various structural components nearing completion [6] - In the first quarter, the railway projects in Jiangsu achieved multiple milestones, with the Nanjing-Huai'an intercity railway and the North Jiangsu High-Speed Railway showing significant progress [7]

Core Insights - The Ministry of Transport has planned 20 major projects, including the National Comprehensive Transportation Network and the Yangtze River Economic Belt, to enhance regional economic quality and reduce logistics costs [1][6] - As of May, at least 20 major transportation projects have reached critical stages, indicating significant progress in infrastructure development [1][2] Investment and Economic Impact - In the first quarter, the national fixed asset investment in transportation reached 675.2 billion yuan, maintaining a high level [1][4] - The ongoing projects are expected to facilitate the flow of resources across regions and support the integration of the Yangtze River Delta [2][6] Project Progress - The Zhang Jinggao Yangtze River Bridge, with a total construction period of 6 years and a budget of 31.166 billion yuan, is progressing well, with over half of the north anchor block construction completed [2][6] - The Lion Rock Bridge, featuring the world's largest anchor block, is also on track, with key installations expected to be completed soon [2][6] - The G95 Capital Region Ring Expressway and other significant projects are entering critical phases, with various construction milestones being achieved [5][6] Future Developments - The Ministry of Transport aims to accelerate the construction of major projects, including the new Tibet Railway and the new airport in the Pearl River Delta, with plans for commencement within the year [6]