New Guizhou projects bridge valleys, changing lives

Advanced technology and innovation

The 1,849-meter-long Zangke River Bridge is located in the Wumengshan National Geological Park and spans the Zangke River.

"It is a double-tower, single-span steel truss suspension bridge. The highest drop between the bridge deck and the river is 380 meters. Upon completion, it will be the 11th of the world's 100 tallest bridges," said Zhao Mingfu, the engineer leading construction.

The bridge crosses the meeting point of four counties and districts — Qinglong, Pu'an, Shuicheng and Liuzhi — and will benefit residents in all those places, as well as boost economic development, Zhao added.

Engineers devised five technological innovations and 10 management innovations to ensure safety during construction, Zhao said.

For example, they use a special alloy on the sealed rope sling, which prevents substances like dust and rust from entering the interior of the sling. They have also made use of new materials to make the cable, which has superior resistance against corrosion.

The team is focused on safety. Workers are encouraged to take quizzes on safety issues online by scanning a code posted at the construction site. By answering the questions, they earn points which can be used to buy supplies and snacks on the site.

"It is an innovative way of encouraging worker to pay attention to safety issues. They can also report safety issues to earn points," said Ran Maolun, general manager of the Guizou Naqing Freeway Corp, which is building the freeway linking Nayong and Qinglong.

Another one of the freeway's bridges, about half an hour's drive from the Zangke River Bridge, is also under construction.

The Wumengshan Bridge crosses the Azhi River and is designed using a unique form of arched bridge.

"Due to the complicated geography and terrain, it is the first bridge in the world to use such a structure," said Liu Xiaofan, the engineer leading construction of the bridge.