Taiwan has opened the world’s longest single-mast cable-stayed bridge – a 920-metre structure engineered to resist earthquakes of magnitude seven and above.
The Danjiang Bridge spans the mouth of the Tamsui River near Taipei and connects Bali District with Latest Taipei City.
Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the bridge’s essential span measures 450 metres, around 30 metres longer than Russia’s Yugra Bridge which had held the world record since 2000.
Officials say the brand new crossing will ease chronic traffic congestion by linking major highways and expressways on each side of the river.
Taiwan’s Highway Bureau confirmed the bridge was specially engineered for the island’s seismic conditions due to its location on the boundary of energetic tectonic plates.
State-of-the-art sensors have been installed throughout the structure to observe wind forces, cable stress and the bridge’s overall structural integrity in real time.
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If readings exceed protected limits, the system robotically alerts the bridge control centre so traffic restrictions will be introduced to cut back pressure on the crossing.
The bridge’s striking single-mast design was developed to maximise structural performance while preserving views of the sunset over the Tamsui estuary.
Its sculptural concrete mast rises 200 metres into the air and was intentionally designed to stay as slender as possible while supporting the large central span during extreme weather and seismic events.
Dedicated pedestrian walkways and cycle lanes have also been included, together with provisions for a future extension of the Danhai light rail network across the river.
Although the bridge’s essential structure was accomplished in October last 12 months, crews have spent recent months laying asphalt and installing lighting, sound barriers and extra road facilities ahead of its public opening.
Plans for the Danjiang Bridge were first recommend almost 30 years ago but were repeatedly delayed by environmental reviews, redesigns and failed bidding processes before construction finally began in 2019.
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