“Ten world records,” a passing engineer mutters. Today we explore the Shenzhen–Zhongshan Link. It is near Changlingpi 1# Bridge. This marvel connects Shenzhen and Zhongshan. The link dramatically improves travel. It is a testament to modern engineering.
The Shenzhen–Zhongshan Link opened in June 2024. It is a 49.7 km bridge-tunnel system. Construction began in May 2017. It cost US$4.83 billion. This ambitious project brings unprecedented regional benefits. It fosters connectivity and economic growth.
The Shenzhen–Zhongshan Link boasts the longest combined bridge-tunnel system. It stretches 49.7 km. This includes a 6.7 km tunnel. Nineteen bridges form the structure. The longest continuous bridge section spans 22.5 km.
The link features the largest over-water highway bridge. It covers about 15.5 km above the sea. This offers breathtaking views. It provides a direct route across the Pearl River Delta. The project has the highest number of bridge piers. This intricate support network ensures stability.
This is the most expensive bridge-tunnel project. It cost US$4.83 billion. Its complexity justifies the investment. The Shenzhen–Zhongshan Link boasts the fastest construction timeline. It was completed in just over seven years. Cutting-edge techniques enabled this rapid development.
Its 6.7 km tunnel is the world’s longest immersed tunnel. This demonstrates China’s underwater construction capabilities. The link features the widest bridge deck. It accommodates eight lanes of traffic. This ensures smooth traffic flow. It reduces travel time.
The Shenzhen–Zhongshan Link allows faster travel. It has a 100 km/h speed limit. This is the highest speed limit globally for bridge-tunnels. The bridge incorporates the most advanced safety features. These include state-of-the-art monitoring systems. Emergency response mechanisms are in place. Robust materials withstand natural disasters.
The link has greatly reduced travel time. The journey between Shenzhen and Zhongshan now takes less than 30 minutes.
The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge holds other records. It has the world’s longest span for a fully offshore steel box girder suspension bridge. The main span measures 1,666 meters. The bridge deck and navigation clearance are the world’s highest. The bridge deck height is 91 meters.
Its offshore suspension bridge anchor is the world’s largest. The single anchor’s concrete volume is approximately 344,000 cubic meters. The wind resistance test speed is the world’s highest for a suspension bridge. The maximum flutter test wind speed reaches 83.7 m/s. The steel bridge deck with hot-mix epoxy asphalt paving is the world’s largest. It covers an area of 378,800 square meters.
The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Tunnel also has records. It is the world’s longest two-way eight-lane immersed tube tunnel. It is 5,035 meters long. It consists of 32 tube sections plus one final joint. The underwater steel shell-concrete immersed tube tunnel is the world’s widest. The standard tube section is 165 meters long. Its width is 46 meters and its height is 10.6 meters.
The single-volume cast for a steel-shell immersed tube is the world’s largest. Self-compacting concrete was used. The single tube section concrete volume reached 29,000 cubic meters. The link is the world’s first underwater expressway interchange and airport interchange. The repeatedly foldable M-shaped water stop is the world’s widest. It measures three meters and is used in the final joint of an immersed tube tunnel.
This link reduces travel time and symbolizes ambition meeting innovation.