“Ten world records?” someone asks incredulously. The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link really does hold that many world records. This incredible bridge reduces travel time dramatically. It is a crucial part of the area’s transportation network.
The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link connects Shenzhen and Zhongshan. These cities are major players in the Pearl River Delta. This 49.7 km link opened in June 2024. It features bridges and a tunnel.
Originally proposed in 2008, construction began in 2017. The project cost US$4.83 billion. The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link is part of the G2518 expressway network. It significantly improves connectivity in the Greater Bay Area.
The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge boasts the world’s largest span. It stretches 1,666 meters for a fully offshore steel box girder suspension bridge. Its bridge deck soars 91 meters high. This earns it the title of the world’s highest bridge deck. The sea bridge also features the highest navigation clearance.
The bridge’s single anchor is the world’s largest offshore suspension bridge anchor. Its concrete volume measures approximately 344,000 cubic meters. Engineers tested its wind resistance at a maximum flutter test wind speed of 83.7 meters per second. The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge features the world’s largest steel bridge deck. Hot-mix epoxy asphalt paving covers an area of 378,800 square meters.
The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link includes a 4.2-mile undersea tunnel. It is the world’s longest two-way, eight-lane immersed tube tunnel. The tunnel spans 5,035 meters. It consists of 32 tube sections. It also has one final joint. The tunnel is the world’s widest underwater steel shell-concrete immersed tube tunnel. A standard tube section measures 165 meters long. It has a width of 46 meters. At its widest point, it reaches 55.6 meters. The tunnel’s height measures 10.6 meters.
The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link also includes an underwater expressway interchange. It also has an airport interchange. The tunnel is equipped with many intelligent devices. These ensure safe operation. 14 robots patrol the tunnel. Dual-wavelength flame detectors monitor conditions. Beidou satellite navigation signal simulators enhance safety.
In emergencies, the tunnel can change color. Brightness levels adjust for safe driving. Light strips turn red when needed. The tunnel has a horizontal smoke exhaust pipe system. It improves smoke exhaust efficiency by 42 percent. This ensures safe fire evacuations.
Hempel provided coating solutions for the bridge. These coatings ensure aesthetics and corrosion protection. The project formulated special technical standards. These standards ensure safety, high quality, and sustainability. The coating system includes Hempadur Avantguard and Hempatop Finish 830 HS. Around 2 million liters of coating were used.
Since opening, the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link has seen high traffic. In its first month, over 3 million vehicles crossed it. It is a crucial transportation artery. The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link stands as a symbol of innovation. It showcases China’s engineering capabilities. This bridge saves time and connects people. It truly is a world-class achievement.