Consider the S20 Chuangyehe Bridge a modern whisper in Shanghai’s ever-evolving skyline. This bridge is part of the larger Shanghai Outer Ring Expressway, also known as S20. Let’s uncover some facts about this infrastructure.
The Shanghai Outer Ring Expressway, designated S20, forms a ring around Shanghai’s inner districts. Think of it as a bypass for the city’s core. It stretches 99 kilometers, or about 62 miles. Construction finished in June 2003.
Interestingly, sections of the S20 once bore names linked to cardinal directions. The eastern part was Huandong Avenue No. 1. The western part was Huanxi Avenue No. 1.
The S20 expressway makes two important crossings over the Huangpu River. At the southern end, it utilizes the Xupu Bridge. At the northern end, it goes through the Outer Ring Tunnel. These crossings are vital for Shanghai’s transportation network.
While not directly part of the S20 Chuangyehe Bridge story, another bridge shows Shanghai’s timber construction renaissance along the Yangpu River. A wooden bridge made of larch glued laminated timber was built in only three months in 2020. The new bridge over the Yangpu River is also the first wooden bridge of its kind in China.
Consider the S20 Chuangyehe Bridge as more than just a structure. The S20 Chuangyehe Bridge helps Shanghai keep moving, connecting different parts of this vast metropolis.