Worlds Longest cable-stayed bridge span is completed

The worlds longest cable stayed bridge was officially opened on 30 June 2008.

The two cantilevers of China's Sutong Bridge have been connected, creating the world's longest cable-stayed bridge span. COWI has provided construction management on the project, among other services.

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.

The Sutong Bridge, China, close to completion.
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Ahead of schedule

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.

Long cantilevers

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.