“Girders don’t lie” someone once said about bridges. Let’s explore the story of \u4e30\u6c99\u4e00\u53f7\u6865.
\u4e30\u6c99\u4e00\u53f7\u6865 is no ordinary bridge. It carries within it tales of ambition conflict and human endeavor. This bridge is a vital part of the \u4e30\u6c99 Railway. This railway links Beijing to Zhangjiakou.
Imagine it is the early 20th century. China is struggling. Foreign powers are carving it up. Visionaries dreamed of modernization. Among them was Zhan Tianyou. He was a brilliant engineer. He chose a route for the Jingzhang Railway. This is also known as the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway. \u4e30\u6c99 Railway’s alignment was one of the best options considered. However it was dropped due to high costs.
Time jumps to the 1930s. Imperial Japan invades China. The invaders sought to exploit resources. Coal was their primary target. In 1937 the South Manchuria Railway Company planned a railway. It was meant to transport coal. This railway was named the “Datong Coal Transportation Line”.
In 1939 the North China Transportation Company took charge. They surveyed designed and started building. The “Datong Coal Transportation Line” was planned to run from Tanggu New Port to Datong. It would pass through Fengtai cross the Jinghan and Jingmen lines at Sanjiadian. It would then follow the Yongding River valley to the Huailai Basin. The total length was 471 kilometers.
Construction began in 1940. But the 平西 anti-Japanese base disrupted progress. The Eighth Route Army constantly sabotaged the project. By 1944 work ground to a halt. Yet bridge piers on the Yongding River were nearly complete. Tunnels like 琉璃渠 and 落坡岭 were also finished.
After the People’s Republic of China was founded the railway was revived. It was crucial for economic recovery. Railway soldiers repaired and extended the line. This railway became \u4e30\u6c99 Railway.
Construction was challenging. The route cut across the Taihang Mountains. It crossed the Yongding River eight times. There were 81 bridges and many tunnels. The soldiers overcame floods sandstorms and landslides. Over 40000 people were involved. In 1955 the \u4e30\u6c99 Railway opened.
Tragedy struck during construction. One hundred and eight workers died. They are commemorated by a monument in 琉璃渠 village. This monument stands near the first tunnel.
In 1979 automatic block signaling was installed. In 1984 electrification was completed. The \u4e30\u6c99 Railway became a key coal transport route.
In 2017 the Shijingshan section underwent major renovations. A 4-kilometer section was placed underground. This was to extend Chang’an Avenue westward. On December 21, 2017 the renovated line opened.
Today parts of the old railway have been transformed. They are now scenic areas in the Beijing Winter Olympics Park.
\u4e30\u6c99\u4e00\u53f7\u6865 stands as a testament to resilience. It reflects dreams. It embodies sacrifice. It symbolizes progress. This bridge invites us to reflect on the past. It encourages us to appreciate the present. It inspires us to look forward to the future.
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