Construction begins on Yichang West Expressway
2025-06-30 19:06:44
By Yan Wanqin.
The Nanjinguan Yangtze River Bridge, situated between the Three Gorges Dam and the Gezhouba Dam, will be the first bridge across the Xiling Gorge. Its construction officially began on June 28 with the drilling of the first pile foundation for its north tower.
The Nanjinguan Yangtze River Bridge, situated between the Three Gorges Dam and the Gezhouba Dam, will be the first bridge across the Xiling Gorge. Its construction officially began on June 28 with the drilling of the first pile foundation for its north tower.
Workers drilling the first pile foundation of the north tower of the Nanjinguan Yangtze River Bridge.It features a main span of 1,200 meters and four lanes in each direction. The bridge will resolve the shortage of north-south, high-speed, cross-river passageways in western Yichang City.
Environmental protection was a top priority in the design phase. To protect the Xiling Gorge cliffs, the main span was extended to 1,200 meters, making it the longest bridge span in Yichang. To ensure smooth navigation, the bridge will have no piers in the middle of the river.
"Once completed, the bridge will have no visible piers, only a graceful arc, making it unique along the Yangtze," said Zhou Changdong, a renowned bridge expert.
Conceptual rendering of Nanjinguan Yangtze River Bridge.
In addition to improving transportation, the bridge will also feature a pedestrian walkway, allowing tourists to enjoy the scenery of the Three Gorges and the panoramic city views of Yichang.
It will also connect major scenic spots such as the Yangtze Three Gorges National Geological Park, Qing River National Forest Park, and the Chexi Folk Custom Tour Site, supporting the integrated development of transportation and tourism.
Located in Yiling District, the bridge is a key part of the Yichang West Expressway project. The new expressway will stretch 47 kilometers, linking Huanghua Town in Yiling District to Gaojiayan Town in Changyang Tujia Autonomous County.
The expressway will connect the Shanghai-Chengdu Expressway, the Jiangnan Fanba Expressway and the Shanghai-Chongqing Expressway. It is designed with a speed limit of 100 km/h and features three lanes on each side. Once completed, the expressway will encircle Yichang City with a network of high-speed routes.
Ma Lin, Tanyang Chenlei contributed to this story.
"Once completed, the bridge will have no visible piers, only a graceful arc, making it unique along the Yangtze," said Zhou Changdong, a renowned bridge expert.
Conceptual rendering of Nanjinguan Yangtze River Bridge.
In addition to improving transportation, the bridge will also feature a pedestrian walkway, allowing tourists to enjoy the scenery of the Three Gorges and the panoramic city views of Yichang.
It will also connect major scenic spots such as the Yangtze Three Gorges National Geological Park, Qing River National Forest Park, and the Chexi Folk Custom Tour Site, supporting the integrated development of transportation and tourism.
Located in Yiling District, the bridge is a key part of the Yichang West Expressway project. The new expressway will stretch 47 kilometers, linking Huanghua Town in Yiling District to Gaojiayan Town in Changyang Tujia Autonomous County.
The expressway will connect the Shanghai-Chengdu Expressway, the Jiangnan Fanba Expressway and the Shanghai-Chongqing Expressway. It is designed with a speed limit of 100 km/h and features three lanes on each side. Once completed, the expressway will encircle Yichang City with a network of high-speed routes.
Ma Lin, Tanyang Chenlei contributed to this story.
