China launched traffic operations on Sunday on the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which rises 625 meters above a river gorge. The structure claims the world record for the highest bridge, surpassing the 565-meter Beipanjiang Bridge within the same Guizhou province. State media broadcast drone footage showing vehicles crossing the span while crowds gathered for the opening ceremonies. Engineers and officials celebrated the completion of the three-year construction project.
The bridge cuts travel time between opposite sides from two hours to two minutes, according to provincial transport officials. Guizhou contains nearly half of the planet's 100 tallest bridges, largely due to its mountainous terrain, which requires extensive infrastructure. The 1,420-meter main span represents the largest such structure ever built in a mountainous region. China has pursued major infrastructure development over the course of decades of rapid economic expansion and urban growth.
The bridge cuts travel time between opposite sides from two hours to two minutes, according to provincial transport officials. Guizhou contains nearly half of the planet's 100 tallest bridges, largely due to its mountainous terrain, which requires extensive infrastructure. The 1,420-meter main span represents the largest such structure ever built in a mountainous region. China has pursued major infrastructure development over the course of decades of rapid economic expansion and urban growth.
