New bridge for China’s Hainan Province

Construction work is now commencing for a major new bridge project in China. The bridge is being built in Hainan Province and will measure close to 5.7km long when complete. It will link the mainland of Hainan Province with Ruyi Islet. The project is being designed primarily to handle road traffic as well as a tram link, while it will also carry utilities including water, gas, electricity and fibre optic cabling. Lead contractor for the project is China Railway 18th Bureau Group's 2nd Engineering Company. The bridge will be 27.5m wide and will run from the city of Haikou to the artificial islet, itself currently under construction. The project faces engineering challenges as the water underneath ranges in depths from 10-15m with a strong tidal flow, while the area is prone to high winds and fog. Because of the location the bridge is being designed to cope with typhoons as well as large eathquakes.