World's Largest Single-Tower Cable-Stayed Bridge: 3 Must-Know Features of New Taipei’s "Danjiang Bridge"

▲ The new landmark of New Taipei City, the "Danjiang Bridge," will become the world’s largest single-tower cable-stayed bridge upon completion. (Photo provided by Directorate General of Highways, Ministry of Transportation and Communications)

Reported by Tsai Wen-jun / Taipei

The design of the "Danjiang Bridge" spanning Bali and Tamsui in New Taipei City has been unveiled！On the 12th, the Directorate General of Highways announced the results of the Danjiang Bridge design competition, with the bid jointly submitted by CECI Engineering Consultants and a German partner being rated as the winner，and it will be built as the world’s largest single-tower cable-stayed bridge, with completion and opening scheduled for the end of 2020.

The Structural Engineering Department of CECI Engineering stated that the Danjiang Bridge is designed with a stringent standard to have a service life of 120 years. The main bridge is 920 meters long with a span of 450 meters, featuring an asymmetric single-tower cable-stayed design. The cable-stayed section from the bridge deck to the top of the tower is about 150 meters, and upon completion, it is expected to become the world’s largest single-tower cable-stayed bridge.

▲ The completed Danjiang Bridge will be Taiwan’s first bridge integrating light rail, road, and bicycle lanes. (Photo provided by Directorate General of Highways, Ministry of Transportation and Communications)

To elaborate on its features, they can be viewed from three aspects: transportation, landscape, and ecology:

1. Transportation

CECI Engineering pointed out that currently, people traveling between Bali and Tamsui mostly use Provincial Highway 15, connecting through Guandu Bridge and Provincial Highway 2. Once the Danjiang Bridge is completed, drivers can depart from Tamsui, cross the bridge, and reach Bali, with an estimated travel time savings of 20–25 minutes.

In addition, CECI Engineering also mentioned that space has been reserved on the bridge deck for the future use of the "Danhai Light Rail" Bali extension line currently under construction; bicycle lanes have also been designated on the bridge and will connect with the Wazihwei Bicycle Path, allowing cyclists and pedestrians to access the bridge, making itTaiwan’s first bridge integrating light rail, road, and bicycle lanes.

▲ Viewed from the riverbank, the single tower of the Danjiang Bridge resembles a pair of clasped hands, symbolizing a blessing for Taiwan. (Photo provided by Directorate General of Highways, Ministry of Transportation and Communications)

2. Landscape

Tamsui is home to the "most beautiful sunset in the world." The design of the Danjiang Bridge as a single-tower cable-stayed bridge not only blends with the riverside landscape of Tamsui, enhancing its beauty, but the bridge will also serve as a viewing platform for both residents and tourists to watch the sunset. People can walk onto the Danjiang Bridge and gaze at the setting sun from above. Once the light rail is operational, they can also enjoy the sight of the light rail gliding past under the glow of the orange-red sunset.

The architectural style of the Danjiang Bridge is also worth appreciating in detail. When explaining the design concept, CECI Engineering noted that the asymmetric single tower resembles a pair of clasped hands praying for blessings, symbolizing a wish for Taiwan. With the recent establishment of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre’s new home in Tamsui, the bridge’s cable-stayed steel ropes are designed to evoke the image of dancers in motion, and upon completion, it is expected to become a new landmark for New Taipei City.

▲ The single tower of the Danjiang Bridge is positioned closer to the Tamsui side, which can effectively reduce the impact of altered water flow on the Wazihwei Nature Reserve. (Photo provided by Directorate General of Highways, Ministry of Transportation and Communications)

3. Ecology

The single-tower design of the Danjiang Bridge also takes ecological preservation into account. The Bali area is home to the precious "Wazihwei Nature Reserve," rich in wetland ecosystems and a habitat for migratory birds. Therefore, only one bridge tower has been constructed, and it is deliberately located closer to the Tamsui side.

CECI Engineering explained that placing bridge piers can affect drainage conditions, including river scouring and water flow. Locating the bridge tower closer to the Tamsui River estuary reduces the impact on the Wazihwei Reserve and effectively protects the ecology.

The estimated cost of the Danjiang Bridge is NT$7.6 billion, including the construction of the main bridge, the engineering exhibition hall, and the traffic control center. Completion and opening are expected by the end of 2020.