Construction workers in northern Taiwan are racing against time to finish a bridge that could soon become the longest of its kind worldwide. The structure, spanning 18 kilometers across the Danshui River delta, is part of a broader infrastructure push to improve transport links between Taipei and the northern coast. If completed on schedule next year, it would surpass similar bridges in China and Japan by more than two kilometers.
The project, known as the Danjiang Bridge, has faced delays due to engineering challenges and environmental reviews. Its design includes a single-tower cable-stayed section that allows ships to pass underneath without disrupting road traffic. Authorities say the bridge will cut travel time between Taipei and the port city of Taoyuan from 90 minutes to just 20.
Taiwan’s government has invested nearly $2 billion in the bridge, aiming to reduce congestion on existing routes and support economic growth in the region. The project also includes new highways and interchange ramps, which are already under construction. Engineers confirm that the bridge’s foundation can withstand earthquakes up to magnitude 7.5, a critical consideration in this seismic zone.
Critics point to the project’s cost and environmental impact, particularly on local fish populations. The government has promised mitigation measures, including fish ladders and reduced construction noise during breeding seasons. Environmental groups remain divided, with some calling the project a necessity for development and others urging more sustainable alternatives.
Completion is expected in late 2025. Once open, the bridge will handle up to 60,000 vehicles daily, easing pressure on the heavily trafficked Freeway 1.
Source: tu.no