The new record-breaking £5bn bridge more than 22 miles long and crossing a major river

China is investing billions of pounds into modernising its civilian infrastructure, as it seeks to grow its economy.

As part of that programme, Beijing has been busy building bridges and roads in an attempt to improve transport connections.

By 2022, the country already boasted more than one million bridges, which represented an increase of 72,000 from the previous year.

When it comes to infrastructure and investment, China likes to think "big", often breaking previous construction records in the process.

The latest mega project under construction is the Shizi Yang Bridge, which will connect the east and west banks of the Pearl River Estuary in China’s Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

(The Shizi Yang Bridge will complement the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link (pictured) . Image: Getty)

The Shizi Yang Bridge will cross the Pearl River and is set to be nearly 22 miles long when completed.

Moreover, this infrastructure will be record-breaking, with its 1,354-mile main span set to be the world's largest. The bridge, designed by CCCC Highway Consultants, is expected to cost a staggering £5.3billion.

UK-based company Knight Architects, along with Danish engineering consultant Cowi, provided in 2021 an alternative concept design for the bridge being built, which was eventually not taken forward.

A spokesperson for Knight Architects said: “The Shizi Yang Crossing Main Bridge that is under construction in the ZhuJiang Delta, China, is not designed by Knight Architects. Knight Architects was one of two teams invited by CCCC Highway Consultants in 2021 to participate in a short study to develop an alternative concept design for the Shizi Yang Crossing Main Bridge.

The bridge is expected to open to traffic in 2028. By then, it will break five world records in terms of the main span, main tower height, anchor foundation, scale of the main cable, and number of lanes.

Ref: The new record-breaking £5bn bridge more than 22 miles long and crossing a major river (express)

Photo Credit-Getty