China's Sutong Bridge crosses the Yangtze River upstream from Shanghai. Its 40-metre wide bridge deck will carry a six-lane road plus emergency lanes. The main span of the bridge is 1088 metres, making it the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world.
COWI is providing services that include design assistance and design review, design of scour protection, aerodynamic investigations, construction control and construction management.
COWI chief project manager Lars Thornfeldt Sørensen has been with the project since it began in 2003.He says, "The project has run smoothly and the closure of the main span was completed nine months ahead of schedule. The significant volume of river traffic could have been a major problem but the Chinese authorities organised timed closures to allow for the hoisting of bridge girder segments."
The final bridge segment connecting the two spans was floated down river and hoisted into place at the beginning of June. This was followed by an official completion ceremony on 18 June 2007.
The connection of the bridge cantilevers is more than just a ceremonial occasion. Prior to connection, the two record long cantilevers were sensitive to strong winds and therefore it was important to join the cantilevers before the beginning of the typhoon season. Joining them creates a far stronger structure.
Currently, the addition of pavements, crash barriers and other final requirements are being carried out. The bridge is expected to formally open in 2008.
By Martyn GlanvillePublished: 22.08.2007
The Sutong Bridge main span is 1088 metres long. The street number of the project office in China is also 1088.
The number eight is considered a lucky number within Chinese culture. The length of the bridge includes the number eight to reflect the good fortune it is said to bring.