Built in 1935 the ShenZhen Longgang Longmen Grand Road overpass initially connected Longgang and Shenzhen. It was then called the Shenzhen-Longgang Road. This vital artery facilitated travel between Shenzhen and Huizhou. The road was originally a simple gravel path just three meters wide. Bridges were often made of wood or bamboo. They were rudimentary structures. They frequently became impassable during rainy seasons.
World War II disrupted construction. The road was damaged repeatedly. Reconstruction only started in earnest after the war. The road was repaired in 1950. Another section was rebuilt in 1956. This linked Longgang to the then newly established town of Huizhou. By the 1970s oil roads had begun to replace the older surfaces. The Shenzhen-Longgang Road officially became part of National Highway 205.
Significant upgrades happened in 1982. The road was renamed Longmen Road. It was reclassified as a first-class road. It was widened to eight to ten lanes. It included a new bridge that replaced older crossings over the rivers and canals. Construction continued into the 1990s. The road was paved with asphalt concrete. Modern bridges like the Bao’an Viaduct and the Dapu interchange were added. These removed bottlenecks and improved traffic flow significantly.
Further improvements occurred in 2007. Shenzhen Metro Line 3 was built along Longmen Road. This necessitated additional road upgrades. The number of lanes increased again to eight. Road junctions were modernized. Landscaped areas were created along its length. In 2012 the road was renamed Longmen Grand Road reflecting its upgraded status and importance within Shenzhen’s infrastructure. Today Longmen Grand Road is a major thoroughfare. It stands as a testament to Shenzhen’s rapid growth and evolution. It showcases the city’s dedication to modern infrastructure. The Shenzhen Longgang Longmen Grand Road overpass is a sight to behold. It links not only locations but also the past and present of this vibrant city.