The Zhoushan Sea-Crossing Bridge (舟山跨海大桥), also known as the Zhoushan Mainland-Island Link Project, is a vital transportation infrastructure linking Zhoushan City in Zhejiang Province with Ningbo City. It originates from the Yadan Mountain Circular Road on Zhoushan Island, passing through several islands in the Zhoushan Archipelago, including Lidao Island, Fuchi Island, Cezu Island, and Jintang Island, before reaching Ningbo’s Zhenhai District, where it connects with Ningbo’s Ring Expressway and the Hangzhou Bay Bridge. This expansive bridge system spans 4 islands, traverses 9 culverts, and passes through 2 tunnels.
Comprising five sea-crossing bridges and connecting roads, including Jintang Bridge (21,020 meters long, 26 meters wide), Xihoumen Bridge (main span of 1,650 meters), Taoyao Bridge (888 meters long, 27.6 meters wide), Xiangjiao Bridge (951 meters long, 22.5 meters wide), and Cengang Bridge (793 meters long, 22.5 meters wide), the entire bridge system stretches approximately 48.16 kilometers.
The Zhoushan Sea-Crossing Bridge boasts several world records, including the use of split-type steel box girders, a design that had no precedents, meeting the requirements for wind resistance stability. Additionally, the steel cow legs and steel anchor beam combination used for the bridge’s cable-stayed tower anchorage are also world-first innovations. It stands as the world’s largest island-land connection project. Driving across the bridge allows travelers to appreciate its winding structure and the scenic views along the way, offering a vast and spectacular experience.
The construction of the Zhoushan Sea-Crossing Bridge not only addresses the transportation challenges between Zhoushan and Ningbo but also significantly promotes the economic development of the Zhoushan Archipelago. Prior to the bridge’s completion, the journey from Ningbo to Zhoushan took approximately 3 hours, involving waiting in line for ferry crossings. Now, with the bridge in operation, the journey can be completed in just around 1 hour by car, greatly facilitating travel for residents and visitors alike.
