World’s Tallest Bridge Officially Opens to Traffic, Cutting Travel Time from 2 Hours Down to 2 Minutes
The newly-built Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Southern China towers over the Beipan River at approximately 2,050 feet tall
NEED TO KNOW
- The world’s tallest bridge, located in the Guizhou province in Southern China, officially opened to traffic on Sunday, Sept. 28
- Called the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, the engineering marvel towers approximately 2,050 feet above the Beipan River
- It took nearly four years to construct, and reduces travel time across the canyon from two hours to two minutes
The world’s tallest bridge has officially opened for traffic — and it’s cutting down travel time for commuters by a significant amount.
The record-breaking Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Southern China stands approximately 2,050 feet above the Beipan River, making it the tallest bridge in the world, according to NBC News and CNN. The newly-constructed bridge — which towers over the river and gorge in the province of Guizhou — officially opened to traffic on Sunday, Sept. 28.
After three years and eight months of construction, the record-breaking bridge now connects major tourist spots in the region and cuts travel time across the canyon from two hours to two minutes, NBC News reported, citing local officials.
At 4,600 feet in length, it also sets the record for the world’s longest bridge in a mountainous region, according to NBC News.
The bridge took the “world’s tallest” record from another bridge in the Guizhou province, the Beipanjiang Bridge, which crosses over the same river.
In addition to the faster commute across the canyon, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge was built in an effort to increase tourism and economic growth in the region.
One of the highest points of the bridge is home to a coffee shop that stands approximately 2,600 feet above the river, per NBC News. Located atop one of the towers, tourists can take a high-speed elevator up to the lookout point to enjoy the sweeping views.
Thrill seekers also have the option to try out bungee jumping on the bridge, or walk along a glass walkway at 1,900 feet in the air.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
In the United States, the Royal Gorge Bridge in Southern Colorado currently holds the title of America’s highest bridge at 956 feet above the Arkansas River, according to its official website.
The bridge was built in seven months and opened in 1929, per the website. It previously held the record for the world’s highest bridge until 2001.
