New bridge over Yangtze promises integration

The world's first bridge with a span of more than 1,000 meters and serving both cars and trains began operations on Wednesday in Nantong, Jiangsu province. It is expected to greatly promote the integration of the Yangtze River Delta and bolster the economy of one of China's most developed regions, the country's top transport authorities said.

The Shanghai-Suzhou-Nantong Yangtze River Bridge stretches 11,072 meters, with a single span of 1,092 meters It took six years and four months to build between Nantong and Zhangjiagang, a county-level city of Suzhou.

Wang Feng, deputy chief engineer of China Railway Corp, said that many new technologies were used in the cable-stayed bridge, including an advanced anti-collision system and cables with the highest tensile strength in the world.

"The anti-collision system can warn river traffic within 3 kilometers if a ship appears likely to strike a bridge pier," he said.