Photo: Nanfang Plus

The first main pier platform of the Jinma Bridge's new expansion was completed on March 17, marking a significant milestone as the project moves into the superstructure construction phase.

The new expansion of the Jinma Bridge, a crucial component of the Guangzhou-Zhaoqing Expressway project, spans 1,936.6 meters across the Xijiang River, connecting Foshan's Sanshui District and Zhaoqing's Gaoyao District. The bridge is being constructed as a separate, parallel structure to the existing one, effectively creating a "twin" of the current Jinma Bridge. It features a single-tower, double-cable-plane composite beam cable-stayed bridge combined with a continuous composite beam system.

Photo: Nanfang Plus

The first main pier platform, measuring 41.5 meters in length, 22.5 meters in width, and 6.5 meters in height, required over 6,000 cubic meters of concrete. The project employed a layered pouring technique and an intelligent temperature control monitoring system to ensure uniform and efficient cooling of the concrete. The next focus will be on capping the main tower of the new bridge.

Photo: Nanfang Plus

The Guangzhou-Zhaoqing Expressway project, as a vital link between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and western Guangdong, will be expanded from four to eight lanes, significantly enhancing its capacity. Once completed, the Jinma Bridge, as a major river-crossing structure, will alleviate traffic congestion on the existing route, strengthening the connectivity between Guangzhou, Foshan, and Zhaoqing.