Jinma Bridge connected, set to boost GBA transport capacity

[Photo: China Daily]

On the agenda

The Jinma Bridge, a major component of the Guangzhou–Zhaoqing Expressway project, was successfully joined on Monday, marking an important construction milestone and paving the way for traffic diversion by the end of this year.

Located between Gaoyao District in Zhaoqing and Sanshui District in Foshan, the bridge occupies a key position within the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area transport network.

The new structure stretches 1,936 metres in length, with a deck measuring 23.75 metres in width and a main tower standing 132.35 metres high.

Its design closely follows the existing Jinma Bridge, with both bridges adopting a single-tower, cable-stayed configuration and H-shaped pylons.

When completed, the two bridges will operate in tandem, each carrying four lanes of one-way traffic. The expansion is expected to greatly improve traffic capacity and form an important transport corridor connecting Guangzhou, Foshan and Zhaoqing.

According to Diao Huanxin, director of the project management office, the new bridge is “not simply a replica of the original, but a comprehensive upgrade in construction.”

He said the project incorporates advances in materials, structural design and engineering techniques, which will enhance durability, safety and overall performance compared with the existing bridge.