Cables replaced on Xiling Yangtze River Bridge
2022-12-27 21:12:00
By Yan Wanqin, Yichang International Communication Studio
On December 25, workers finished replacing the 280 cables on the Xiling Yangtze River Bridge. This is the first time a long-span suspension bridge on the Yangtze River has been given new cables.
Xiling Yangtze River Bridge. Photo by Tang Wei.
The Xiling Yangtze River Bridge is a suspension bridge over the Yangtze River, 4.5 kilometers downstream from the Three Gorges Dam. The bridge connects the towns of Taipingxi and Letianxi on the northern bank of the river with Sandouping on the southern bank.
When opened in August 1996, the bridge’s 900-meter span was the longest across the Yangtze River.
Cables on the Xiling Yangtze River Bridge. Photo by Huang Xin.
During the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, the bridge was used by countless trucks and buses to transport materials and personnel. Now more than 3 million vehicles cross the bridge each year.
Replaced cables. Photo by Tang Wei.
After 26 years in service, the cables had to be replaced.
The work began in April this year. The longest cable replaced is about 174 meter long, weighs about 1.4 tons, and at its highest point is 85 meters above the bridge deck.
The new cables are lighter, stronger, and have a longer service life.
The anchor heads for the cables were also replaced. The new anchor heads have a better design, making routine maintenance and replacement more convenient.
On December 25, workers finished replacing the 280 cables on the Xiling Yangtze River Bridge. This is the first time a long-span suspension bridge on the Yangtze River has been given new cables.
Xiling Yangtze River Bridge. Photo by Tang Wei.The Xiling Yangtze River Bridge is a suspension bridge over the Yangtze River, 4.5 kilometers downstream from the Three Gorges Dam. The bridge connects the towns of Taipingxi and Letianxi on the northern bank of the river with Sandouping on the southern bank.
When opened in August 1996, the bridge’s 900-meter span was the longest across the Yangtze River.
Cables on the Xiling Yangtze River Bridge. Photo by Huang Xin.During the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, the bridge was used by countless trucks and buses to transport materials and personnel. Now more than 3 million vehicles cross the bridge each year.
Replaced cables. Photo by Tang Wei.After 26 years in service, the cables had to be replaced.
The work began in April this year. The longest cable replaced is about 174 meter long, weighs about 1.4 tons, and at its highest point is 85 meters above the bridge deck.
The new cables are lighter, stronger, and have a longer service life.
The anchor heads for the cables were also replaced. The new anchor heads have a better design, making routine maintenance and replacement more convenient.
