The global race in bridge engineering advanced this week as Italy and China announced major infrastructure milestones. Italy has approved plans for the world’s longest suspension bridge, while China nears completion of the tallest bridge ever constructed.
Italy’s Transport Ministry confirmed on Wednesday that the government has greenlit a $15.5 billion project to build the Strait of Messina Bridge. Infrastructure company WeBuild stated the structure will span nearly 2.3 miles, with its suspended section stretching 2.1 miles. This would surpass the current record holder, Turkey’s Ćanakkale Bridge, by over half a mile.
“Today, Italy has shown once again how it can come together around a mega project that will be transformative for the whole country,” said Pietro Salini, Chief Executive of WeBuild.
Designed to carry 6,000 cars per hour and 200 trains daily, the bridge aims to strengthen the transport link between Sicily and mainland Italy. However, it must address seismic risks in the Messina fault region, according to the Associated Press.
Meanwhile, in China’s southwestern Guizhou Province, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge has reached a key construction stage with the installation of its final steel girder. Chinese state television reported that the bridge will stand 2,051 feet from deck to river ā more than twice the height of the Eiffel Tower.
The Huajiang Bridge is part of a critical expressway network and will also host the world’s highest bungee jump. Engineers faced the challenge of spanning one of the world’s deepest canyons, reflecting the extreme demands of the project.
China’s Guizhou Province has become a global leader in high bridge construction, with more such structures than all other countries combined, according to HighestBridges.com.
While Italy’s project focuses on national connectivity, China’s bridge emphasizes both transportation efficiency and tourism potential. The developments highlight a wider global trend toward ambitious, record-setting infrastructure.
Construction on the Messina Bridge is set to begin next year. The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is now over 98% complete and is scheduled to open by the end of September, according to China’s People’s Daily.
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