Chinese building world's largest bridge

The Chinese are building the largest bridge in the world.The Hangzhou Bay Bridge will span 36 kilometres across the East China Sea. Construction started in 2003 and when it opens next year, it will be the longest trans-oceanic bridge in the world, and seven times longer than the Oresund Bridge between Denmark and Sweden, the pride of Europe. If it could be moved to the straits of Dover it would link England with France.

It is costing about £800m of which 70 per cent is being put up by private sources and 30 per cent by state agencies. They will see their investment back via tolls and lower transport costs.

The new bridge, when completed, will shorten the travel from Shanghai to the Southern region significantly. The main span of the new bridge is the 'cable-stayed' type of bridge. This is a new type of bridges invented in the 20th century.

Mid-way of the bridge, there will be a Service Island for cars to turn off the road for rest, food and a full-range of services.The entire island is a platform resting on piers, in order not to impede current flow in the Bay.