World´s longest sea bridge opens in east China

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Source: CCTV.com | 05-02-2008 09:14

In China, the world's longest cross-sea bridge has opened. The project is part of efforts to improve economic integration and development in east China's Yangtze River Delta.

Vehicles drive on the world's longest cross-sea bridge,  Hangzhou Bay Bridge, in Cixi, east China's Zhejiang Province,  May 1, 2008. The 36-kilometer bridge spanning the Hangzhou  Bay was opened to traffic on a trial basis Thursday.  (Xinhua Photo)

This is a new shortcut in the Yangtze River Delta. The 36-kilometer bridge spans the Hangzhou Bay, cutting the length of a trip from Shanghai to port city Ningbo by 120 kilometers, and saving at least one hour for travellers.

Local resident said, "It saves both time and money, and helps to improve our work efficiency."

The longest bridge across the sea is expected to alleviate the loaded traffic flow in the booming triangle region linking Shanghai, Hangzhou and Ningbo. It will be an important channel for the coastal economic regions in East China.

It will also boost economic integration and development in the Yangtze River Delta, which covers almost 100,000 square kilometers and has a population of 72.4 million people.

Linking major tourist sites across the Yangtze River, the bridge itself has also become an essential stop for tourists.

Chen Minxian, official Ningbo Tourism Bureau, said, "It is expected that during this year's May Day holiday, about 200,000 tourists will visit Ningbo, doubling the number of the same time last year."

The six-lane bridge has cost 1.18 billion yuan to build, with 30 percent private investment. It is the first time China's private sector has invested in a major public infrastructure project in the country.