The largest railway bridge
The largest railway bridge in the world is the Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge in China. Here's a detailed overview:
Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge (China)
Location: Between Danyang and Kunshan in Jiangsu province, China
Length: Approximately 164.8 kilometers (102.4 miles)
Type: Elevated viaduct carrying high-speed rail
Railway Line: Part of the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway
Completed: 2010
Opened: 2011
Construction Time: Around 4 years
Cost: Estimated at $8.5 billion USD
Key Features:
World Record: It holds the Guinness World Record for the longest bridge in the world (not just for rail, but overall).
Design: Made mainly of reinforced concrete and steel.
Structure: The bridge crosses rivers, lakes, rice paddies, and highways, reducing the impact on agriculture and urban areas.
Elevation: Built on viaducts to withstand flooding and earthquakes.
Other Notable Large Railway Bridges:
- Tianjin Grand Bridge (China):
Length: 113 km
Also part of the Beijing–Shanghai HSR
- Cangde Grand Bridge (China):
Length: 105.8 km
- Godavari Bridge (India):
A major railway-cum-road bridge over the Godavari River.
Why Such Long Bridges?
High-speed railways in China avoid terrain interruptions.
Elevated tracks reduce noise and vibration.
Bridges over flood-prone areas prevent disruption.