Engineers completed the east and west anchorages of the Shiziyang Link on Thursday, a critical milestone for the mega-infrastructure project spanning the Pearl River estuary. These load-bearing components will support the main cables of the 2,180-meter span, which is designed to connect Guangzhou’s Nansha district with Dongguan and Shenzhen by the first half of 2029, according to Guangdong Transportation Group.
Technical Innovations in Anchorage Construction
The Shiziyang Link relies on two massive anchorages rooted in Shatian town and Nansha district. Zhang Xiaolong, chief engineer of the anchorage project, noted that these structures must withstand significant tensile force transmitted from the bridge’s main cables. To manage these loads, the construction team implemented a composite foundation design. According to Zhang, this system utilizes circular rock-socketed diaphragm walls, inner liners, and rigid top-and-bottom slab connections to maximize bearing capacity.
The project team also created an in situ test system to evaluate the bearing capacity of deep rock. By developing general calculation formulas for displacement and load, engineers aimed to bridge existing technical gaps for future super-long-span suspension bridge projects. The anchorage foundations reach a diameter of 130 meters, a specification that Cui Bing, a national engineering survey and design master, describes as a global leader in the field.
Regional Connectivity and Traffic Impact
Once operational, the 35-kilometer link is expected to halve travel time between Nansha and the eastern Pearl River cities of Dongguan and Shenzhen. Currently, the journey takes about one hour, according to Wen Jie of the Guangdong Transportation Group. The bridge serves as a vital artery for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), intended to foster a one-hour metropolitan circle.
The Shiziyang Link is positioned between the existing Nansha Bridge and Humen Bridge. Construction is more than 35 percent complete, with the 342-meter-high main towers expected to reach completion in March. The project, which began in 2023, is categorized as a landmark transportation initiative under the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30).
Did you know?
The Shiziyang Link is the world’s first double-deck steel truss suspension bridge with a main span exceeding 2,000 meters. It features 16 lanes of traffic arranged across two decks.
Engineering Philosophy and Future Durability
Beyond setting records, designers are emphasizing long-term structural maintenance. Cui Bing stated that the project follows a philosophy where most components—excluding primary elements like pylons and main cables—are designed to be easily replaceable. This approach aims to ensure the bridge maintains “prime-state functionality” throughout its lifecycle. According to Cui, this methodology prioritizes economy, green construction, and resistance to multiple disasters.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Shiziyang Link open to traffic?
The project is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2029, with traffic expected to begin shortly thereafter, according to Guangdong Transportation Group.
How does the Shiziyang Link compare to other GBA bridges?
It follows the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link. It is distinguished by its 16-lane capacity and its status as the first double-deck composite highway passage at the Pearl River estuary.
What are the primary benefits for commuters?
The bridge will reduce travel time between Nansha and the cities of Dongguan and Shenzhen to approximately 30 minutes, significantly improving logistics and the flow of talent across the region.
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