Haiyan Bridge to Yeli Island will re-emerge like a phoenix with the same name but a new body, hopefully by November next year. Crews began building a workers' trestle alongside the demolition project on Aug 29.

Work on the new non-motorized crossing with a service life of 100 years will commence after about two months when the existing one is dismantled. The proposed bridge is 280 m (918 ft) long and 14 m (50 ft) wide, and designed to withstand once-in-a-century floods, according to the Zhuhai Highway Bureau, project overseer.

The important gateway to the sylvan island will also carry sightseeing functions. There will be carvings of Lingnan fruits on the surface of the bridge every other 50 m (164 ft) and about 2,700 sq m (.67 acre) of viewing platform, according to Yang Shisong, bureau spokesperson. Lighting equipment and handrails will be consistent with the style of those along Lovers Avenue and harmonious with island sceneries. There will also be 200 parking spaces nearby.

Supports placed for workcrew trestle [Photo courtesy Zhuhai Daily]

The work area runs from the intersection of Central Lovers Avenue and Haiyan Road of Wanzaisha, Xiangzhou, to Yeli Island. It will back up island’s evacuation exit -- Beili Road -- during emergencies.

Pre-damaged Haiyan Bridge

Illustration of new bridge [Photos courtesy WeChat account: zhuhaifabu]

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