The proposed design of Danjiang Bridge is considered to be the world’s longest single-towered bridge in future. It is the winning entry of the Danjiang Bridge International Competition in Taiwan by Zaha Hadid Architects. It is a collaborative project of Leonhardt, Andrä und Partner, and Taiwan based Sinotech Engineering Consultants that will serve as a key part of the region’s upgraded infrastructure. According to the ZHA director Patrik Schumacher, “the new bridge was designed to make a conspicuous landmark against the backdrop of Tamsui’s famous sunset”.
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The bridge is located over Tamsui, one of Taiwan’s longest rivers. It will connect Highways 2 and 15 with the West Coast Expressway (Route 61) and Bali-Xindian Expressway (Route 64), near the Taiwan Straight.
No doubt that the bridge is going to emphasize and to increase the connectivity of the neighborhood on both sides of the river. The project will not only increase connectivity between the city’s neighborhoods but will also reduce traffic on local roads by linking two of the region’s main highways. It will alleviate a load of traffic on the existing congested Guandu Bridge upriver roads. An extension to the Danhai Light Rail Transportation (DHLRT) system and a pedestrian deck have also been integrated into the design. This will allow the bridge to maximize accessibility and relieve congestion throughout the area, which includes the region’s busiest shipping port – the Port of Taipei or Taipei Harbour. Flanked by the urban centers of Tamsui to the east and Bali to the west, the estuary is rapidly growing in popularity with both residents and tourists as a recreational area. Each day people gather to watch the sun setting over the Taiwan Strait.
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The single tower is designed and engineered to make it as slender as possible. Also, to secure the best structural performance by avoiding impending and navigability of the river and minimize any interference with the views of the sunset from popular viewing points along the river. Without the following symmetry by choice, the giant slender mast has been located adjacent to one end of the bridge to ensure an uninterrupted view of sunset and enjoyment and not to overpower this public recreation.
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Zaha Hadid Architects claimed that the bridge will be eco-efficient as it will contain less structural elements yet sufficiently reinforced on a single mast. The success of the bridge will ensure its recognition as the world’s longest asymmetric, cable-stayed and single towered bridge.
Project Information:
Project Name: Danjiang Bridge
Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects
Location: Tamsui River, New Taipei, Taiwan
Construction Period: 17 October 2014 – 2020 (estimated)
Engineers: Sinotech Engineering Consultants, Leonhardt Andra und Partner Beratende Ingenieure
Maintenance: Directorate General of Highways, Ministry of Transportation and Communications (Taiwan)
All Images Courtesy Of Zaha Hadid Architects
