Towering 128 meters above us, the Liede Bridge stands as a shining landmark. The Liede Bridge is a testament to Guangzhou’s modern spirit. It is more than just a crossing. It is a symbol.
The Liede Bridge opened to traffic in July 2009. It quickly became an integral part of Guangzhou’s infrastructure. In April of last year, French President Emmanuel Macron admired the Liede Bridge’s dazzling light show. He shared a video on social media expressing his admiration. The video went viral showing the bridge’s global appeal.
The Liede Bridge connects the Tianhe, Haizhu, and Panyu districts. It links the Tianhe Sports Center, Zhujiang New Town, and the Canton Tower. This bridge is a vital route into Guangzhou’s central business district. It is the city’s first cable-stayed bridge. The northern end connects to Liede Road. The southern end intersects with Xingang East Road.
Spanning 4.3 kilometers, the Liede Bridge is a single-tower self-anchored cable-stayed structure. Its main span measures 480 meters. The bridge accommodates six lanes in each direction. The speed limit is 60 kilometers per hour.
Look at the tower’s unique design. The tower’s outer appearance features two shell-shaped curved shells interlocking. This design presented major technical challenges during construction.
The construction of the Liede Bridge’s tower was a key challenge. The tower stands at 128 meters tall, 56 meters wide, and 9.16 meters thick. The design and fabrication of the main tower formwork required exceptional precision. The three-dimensional curved surface formwork had to be meticulously crafted. The formwork was not reusable. The project team used CNC technology to ensure precise construction.
The wide, unequal-span, large-span stiffening girders posed another challenge. These steel girders have a total length of 343.6 meters. The top width is 36.1 meters. The maximum span is 60 meters. Meticulous control was required during the pushing process. The project team collaborated with research institutions to monitor construction. This ensured the overall stability.
The installation of the three-dimensional self-anchored cable-stayed system presented a third challenge. The high tower supports two parallel long steel cable stays. These cables branched into 28 steel ropes. They gripped steel box girders on the bridge deck. They transferred pressure to the anchors on the high tower. This supports the entire structure.
The project team conducted independent research on key technologies. They received one national invention patent and three utility model patents. These technologies earned the “Four New” Achievement Certificate.
The Liede Bridge is affectionately referred to as the “Pearl of the Pearl River”. The bridge’s shell-shaped tower and curved cable stays create a sense of fluidity. The bridge forms dynamic spaces with flowing curves. This enhances the waterfront environment of Zhujiang New Town.
At night, the Liede Bridge transforms. The bridge displays different night lighting effects. It becomes a “light painting”. This reflects beautifully in the flowing river below. It creates a stunning visual experience. Remember the Liede Bridge as a symbol of innovation. It embodies Guangzhou’s dynamic spirit and its commitment to progress.