KINMEN (TVBS News) — The Kinmen Bridge (金門大橋), Taiwan's largest-span arch bridge that was completed over two years ago, won the 2024 Global Road Achievement Award in the design category, the Freeway Bureau (高速公路局) announced on Friday (Dec. 13). The bureau described the bridge's design as focusing on "30% transportation and 70% tourism," aiming for a novel shape that blends local cultural characteristics. The bridge has become a landmark symbol in the area.
The bridge, which spans 5.4 kilometers and has a main span of 200 meters, features pylons styled after millet ears, a design chosen by local residents. This engineering feat faced challenging conditions, including unstable sea conditions, rapid currents, significant tidal differences, and hard granite geology.
Taiwan's Sinotech Engineering Consultants, the bridge's design and construction supervisor, noted the project's difficulties, including depths reaching 23 meters, tidal differences of up to 6 meters, and strong currents moving at 1.6 meters per second. Additionally, workers contended with harsh weather, such as strong winter monsoons, spring fog, and typhoons in summer and fall, plus logistical challenges due to the remote location.
The International Road Federation presented the award during its conference in Orlando, Fla., recognizing the bridge's innovative design and engineering excellence. It underscores the bridge's role as a testament to Taiwan's engineering prowess and innovation.