Guangzhou Bridge partially reopens

An aerial view of Guangzhou Bridge, first completed in May 1985. [Photo/ycwb.com]

The old Guangzhou Bridge reopened for north-south traffic at 10 pm on May 3, upon the completion of long-awaited construction, according to the Guangzhou Housing and Urban-Rural Construction Committee.

Built in May 1985, Guangzhou Bridge, straddling the Pearl River and Ersha Island, connects the northern and southern tips of Guangzhou Avenue. The bridge spans some 1,000 meters in length and 24 meters in width, facilitating two-way six lane traffic.

A new view of Guangzhou Bridge in March after undergoing an expansion project which started in August 2014. [Photo by Tang Mingming/ycwb.com]

The bridge was closed for upgrading in August 2014, with a section completed on Oct 2 2016. The final part of the bridge is expected to be completed in June this year.

Once fully reopened, the two parts of the Guangzhou Bridge will be combined into one, with five lanes in both directions and increasing its main-lane vehicle speed from current 40 kilometers per hour to 60. It is also expected to ease congestion on Guangzhou Avenue.

Guangzhou Bridge, sits astride the Pearl River and is surrounded by the city's landmark buildings, including the Canton Tower. [Photo by Tang Mingming/ycwb.com]