After years of delays – record bridge opens

Years of delays, pandemic disruption and near-impossible engineering challenges have not stopped Taiwan's Danjiang Bridge. The world's longest asymmetric cable-stayed bridge opens on 12 May.

After years of delays and near-impossible engineering challenges, Taiwan’s Danjiang Bridge is finally ready to open. The world’s longest asymmetric cable-stayed bridge will carry its first traffic on 12 May.

The 920-metre bridge spans the Tamsui River, connecting Bali and Tamsui in New Taipei City. The project, led by main contractor Kung Sing Engineering Corporation, carries an estimated price tag of SEK 3.7 billion.

It was originally due to open in 2024 but was delayed by the pandemic and labour shortages. Construction was further complicated by weather conditions that prevented welding and strong winds that required major modifications to stabilise incomplete sections.

Kung Sing Engineering’s deputy general manager Liu Yung-ching admitted he was initially opposed to taking on what he considered an near-impossible project.

The 71-metre wide roadway carries road traffic, a future light rail line, and pedestrian and cycle paths. The bridge will ease congestion and connect industrial areas on both sides of the river.

• More reading: Creaking noises force six-month closure