On October 17, in Chongqing, a major milestone was achieved with the successful completion of the load testing for the MoZhai Wujiang Grand Bridge—an essential structure of the Chongqing-Yuxiang Expressway. This project is a collaborative effort between the China Railway Construction Corporation’s Chongqing Investment Group and the China Railway Construction Port and Shipping Bureau.
The MoZhai Wujiang Grand Bridge spans both the Wujiang River and the G211 National Highway, stretching an impressive 708 meters. It features a double-tower, three-span design, characterized by low towers and cable-stayed architecture.
Load testing is the final critical assessment conducted before a bridge opens to traffic. This procedure ensures that the bridge can support the necessary loads and functions according to the design specifications and relevant safety standards, guaranteeing the reliability of its operation.
Preparations for the load tests commenced on October 8, encompassing a series of evaluations including a bridge status test, static load tests, and dynamic load tests. All testing tasks were successfully completed on the afternoon of October 17.
An official from the China Railway Construction Corporation’s Chongqing Investment Group emphasized the significance of these load tests for the bridge’s acceptance and safety for traffic. It lays a solid foundation for future handover and acceptance proceedings. According to the Chongqing Municipal Transportation Commission, the expressway sections from Banan to Wulong and from Pengshui to Youyang are expected to be completed and opened to traffic by the end of 2024.
