World's Longest-Span Cable-Stayed Bridge Undergoes Pre-Opening Load Testing

　　

       The world's longest-span cable-stayed bridge, the Changzhou-Taizhou Yangtze River Bridge, began its critical load testing on June 16 ahead of its opening. Stretching 10.03 kilometers, the bridge connects the cities of Changzhou and Taizhou and is situated between the Taizhou Yangtze River Bridge and the Jiangyin Yangtze River Bridge. It is expected to be substantially completed in the second half of this year. As the first composite crossing over the Yangtze River integrating expressway, intercity railway and conventional roads, the Changzhou-Taizhou Yangtze River Bridge holds the record for the world's longest cable-stayed span. Upon opening, travel time between Changzhou and Taizhou will be reduced from the current 1 hour and 20 minutes to just over 20 minutes. This will further promote coordinated development of the cross-river urban cluster and holds great significance for supporting the Yangtze River Economic Belt construction and the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta.