2016年CRI Two arch halves of extra-big bridge over Lancang River connected（在线收听）

The two steel truss arch halves of an extra-big bridge over the Lancang River were connected Tuesday morning after two "vertical turns."

The bridge, which sits 270 meters above the Lancang River, is a part of the Dali–Ruili Railway in southwest China's Yunnan Province. The railway is expected to be connected with railways of Myanmar upon its completion.

The bridge, which is also known as the Lancang River Railway Bridge, consists of two steel truss arch halves.

The two steel truss arch halves, which consist of two separate parts receptively, were built vertically on either side of the canyon slopes on top of scaffolding.

"We have assembled the steel truss arch halves section by section on the canyon slopes. After that, we had the first vertical turn to a certain height, and then we had the two parts joined together. Then we welded this steel framework. If everything passed the check, we had a second vertical turn to a certain height," said Xie Shoujie, deputy general manager of the 5th Engineering Co., Ltd., under the China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Group Co., Ltd.

Workers welded the last steel bar, which measures 4.3 meters long, Tuesday morning, after the two halves were connected at the crown.

"After the last steel bar, which is the vertical steel bar, is welded, we will have to weld the slanting steel bars besides it to form a triangle to withhold the force. This structure is very stable,” said Xie.

The two steel truss arch halves of an extra-big bridge over the Lancang River are connected after two "vertical turns" in southwest China's Yunnan Province, on Nov.15, 2016. [Photo: Xinhua]

After the two halves are connected, construction on the top of the bridge will start, according to Tian Daqian, project manager of the Lancang River Railway Bridge.

"After the connection, we will fill concrete into eight tubes inside the arched halves. When it reaches a certain strength, we will carry out outside construction. We will install eight pillars on the arch. After the installation is finished, we can build the top of the bridge," said Tian.

The main span of the Lancang River Railway Bridge will be 342 meters, and the entire length of its bridge floor will be 528.1 meters, making it also one of the longest arch bridges China has ever built.