Changtai Yangtze River Bridge

No.6 pier caisson passed

Shanghai-Nantong Yangtze

River Bridge safely

By Peng Junjun

After 9 hours busy traffic organization and site maintenance, at about 7:30 pm on 28 December, the largest caisson in the world of the largest towing length in history in Yangtze River - Changtai Yangtze River Bridge No.6 pier caisson passed Shanghai-Nantong Yangtze River Bridge safely and was transported to port of Hengli group.

Changtai Yangtze River Bridge No.6 pier caisson was manufactured by Huisheng (Nantong) heavy industries located in economic and technological development zone of Nantong. It weights over 20 thousand tons. The cross section is about as large as 13 basketball courts. The height is 72 m, which is equivalent as a 24 storey building. Looking from far away, it is like a giant honeycomb ‘large iron block’.

Compared with towing works in the past, the floating transportation this time had longest route, longest time, and relatively high requirements for conditions such as hydrology and climate. The involved water area had large traffic and complex shipping environment. Safety assurance measures such as tow ship companion and full course maintenance were necessary.

Changtai Yangtze River Bridge is located between Taizhou Bridge and Jiangyin Bridge.