Two major bridge projects in Italy and China are pushing the boundaries of modern engineering with record-setting designs.
Italy has approved a $15.5 billion plan to build the world’s longest suspension bridge, while China is about to finish constructing the world’s tallest bridge.
The Italian bridge will connect Sicily to mainland Italy across the Strait of Messina. It will stretch nearly 2.3 miles in total length, with a suspended span of almost 2.1 miles.
This will exceed the current longest suspension bridge, Turkey’s Canakkale Bridge, by more than half a mile.
The new bridge is expected to handle 6,000 cars per hour and 200 trains daily, improving travel between the island and mainland.
Meanwhile, in Guizhou Province, China’s Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is close to completion. Standing at 2,051 feet tall from deck to river, it will be about twice the height of the Eiffel Tower and more than seven times taller than New York’s Brooklyn Bridge.
Besides serving as an important road link, the bridge will feature a tourist attraction, including what is expected to be the world’s highest bungee jump.
Both projects face engineering challenges. Italy’s bridge is being built in an area with seismic activity near the Messina fault, requiring careful design to withstand earthquakes.
China’s bridge spans one of the world’s deepest canyons, demanding advanced construction methods to ensure stability and safety.
Construction on the Messina bridge is planned to start next year, while the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is over 98% complete and scheduled to open by the end of September.
These projects reflect the ambition of Italy and China to enhance infrastructure and showcase engineering achievements on a global scale.