TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan opened the Danjiang Bridge (淡江大橋) on Tuesday (May 12), completing the world's longest single-tower asymmetric cable-stayed bridge after more than a decade of construction. The structure, designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid's firm, spans the Tamsui River (淡水河) between Bali (八里) and Tamsui (淡水) in the Taipei metropolitan area.
The bridge opened to traffic at 11:30 a.m., with an estimated 1,000 people visiting within the first half hour, officials said. Cars, motorcycles, pedestrians and cyclists crowded the new crossing as police officers managed traffic and ensured safety.
The crossing is expected to reduce travel times between Bali and Tamsui while easing congestion on Guandu Bridge (關渡大橋) and improving access to Taipei Port (台北港) and Taoyuan International Airport. The project presented significant engineering challenges due to Taiwan's frequent earthquakes, strong coastal winds and active shipping routes.
Construction crews spent years assembling the curved steel structure, with the main tower rising more than 200 meters (656 feet) above the river. Officials said they hope the bridge will become a new landmark for the Taipei metropolitan area and a symbol of Taiwan's urban development. ◼