Construction on the world’s highest bridge, nestled above the Beipan River in China’s Guizhou Province, has reached a key milestone. On Monday, engineers performed a dramatic load-bearing test by sending 96 fully-loaded trucks across the structure — a pivotal step in preparing the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge for public use.
The trucks, collectively weighing an immense 3,360 metric tons, rumbled across the span in a coordinated manoeuvre designed to simulate extreme real-world conditions. The test marked one of the final structural assessments before the bridge is officially opened.
A fleet of 96 trucks weighing a whopping total of 3,360 metric tons drive down the world’s highest bridge under construction — the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou Province to test its load-bearing capacity
The bridge is an engineering feat, stretching an impressive 2,890 metres in total length. Its most prominent feature — a main span measuring 1,420 metres — places it among the longest of its kind anywhere in the world. What truly sets it apart, however, is its record-breaking height. Suspended 625 metres above the canyon floor, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is poised to become the tallest bridge in the world upon completion.
The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou Province, the world’s highest bridge under construction, conducted a load-bearing test on Monday.
Situated in a region known for its steep cliffs and dramatic elevation changes, the bridge not only connects previously isolated communities, but also sets a new global benchmark for engineering in mountainous terrain. Its design and construction have drawn international attention, not just for their ambition, but for the complex logistics and precision engineering required to erect a span at such dizzying heights.
Stretching 2,890 meters in total length with a main span of 1,420 meters, the bridge towers 625 meters above the Beipan River. Once open, it will be the world’s highest bridge and longest bridge span in mountainous terrain.
While the test was a technical procedure, it also served as a symbolic moment — showcasing China’s growing prowess in infrastructure development. The sheer scale of the bridge, combined with its setting in one of the world’s most rugged landscapes, reflects a drive to conquer natural barriers with modern innovation.
As final inspections are carried out, anticipation grows for the official opening of the bridge, which promises to redefine what is possible in civil engineering and elevate connectivity in China’s southwest. The test results are expected to be published soon, but early reports suggest that the structure performed as expected under immense pressure.
