New way planned to demolish old Nanping Bridge

The 30-year-old Nanping Bridge will be dismantled using underwater laser-cutting techniques never before used in Zhuhai, according to the Highway Bureau. This, it is said, will minimize any impact on nearby residents.

The bridge components will be lifted from the water by cranes and then be removed to someplace for dismantlement, the bureau says. A spokesperson added that it is like performing underwater surgery on a bridge body, distinguishing it from demolition works on land. Meanwhile, a makeshift steel bridge spanning the Qianshan River will open and a temporary construction bridge has been installed underneath the Nanping Bridge.

The project is a crucial part of the Jinqin Express Road, a north-south key thoroughfare from Jinding of Tangjiawan through downtown Zhuhai and South Lovers Avenue.

The 13.6-km (8.5-mile) thoroughfare has three sections. The north part from Gangwan Avenue in Tangjiawan runs 9.6 km (5.97 miles) to Meihua Interchange. The dual six-lane structure will traverse Lyuyou and Mingzhu roads among other primary and secondary roads.

Construction at Jinqin Express Road north section [Photo by Zhong Fan / Zhuhai Daily]

The 1.5-km (.8-mile) middle section will connect Zaobei Interchange with Zhuhai Avenue and cross Nanping Bridge with a dual eight-lane highway. It will be seamlessly connected to the 2.5-km (1.6-mile) south section consisting of six lanes in either direction that will lead to Beisan Road in Nanping. The endpoint is located at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge link line and Nanwan Avenue, which is being upgraded.

The entire expressway will comprise six bridges, one tunnel, and 11 flyover-crossing facilities and allow a maximum speed of 60 kmph (37 mph) without traffic lights.

Constructor Zhuhai Transportation Group will build temporary passages in the north section to ease traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. The foundation for a footbridge is already well under way.

The project is to open to traffic by 2020. It will mark a significant step forward in the creation of a "Five Horizontal & Nine Vertical" road network for Zhuhai.