Taiwan Opens Danjiang Bridge, World’s Longest Single-Mast Cable-Stayed Crossing

Taiwan’s Danjiang Bridge, the world’s longest single-mast asymmetric cable-stayed bridge, has opened in New Taipei City, cutting travel time between the Tamsui and Bali districts by around 25 minutes. The 920-metre crossing is supported by a single 200-metre mast and features a 450-metre central span, making it one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects completed in Taiwan in recent years.

River Route

The Danjiang Bridge connects Tamsui and Bali across the mouth of the Tamsui River in New Taipei City. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the bridge is expected to ease congestion in the area and improve access along Taiwan’s northern coast.

The bridge forms part of a broader infrastructure push in northern Taiwan aimed at improving transport links across New Taipei City. Officials say the new crossing will reduce travel times across the river by about 25 minutes and help ease traffic on the older Guandu Bridge upstream.

The Bridge At A Glance

• Design & Architecture: Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the bridge’s curved single-mast structure was inspired by the movements of dancers from Taiwan's famous Cloud Gate Dance Theatre. Its sculptural, twisting design mimics the fluidity of a dancer.

• Dimensions: The Danjiang Bridge has a total length of 920 metres, a mast height of 200 metres and a central span measuring 450 metres. The structure is 71 metres wide.

• Location: The bridge spans the mouth of the Tamsui River, linking Tamsui District and Bali District in New Taipei City.

• Multimodal Deck: The crossing is designed to handle cars, buses, scooters, bicycles, pedestrians and the Danhai Light Rail network.

• Seismic Resilience: Engineers built the bridge to withstand earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or higher, incorporating seismic sensors and damping systems into the structure.

• Sunset Preservation: Engineers utilised advanced 3D mapping of the estuary to strategically position the pylon. This precise alignment ensures that the bridge does not obstruct the Tamsui River's famous sunset views, a major local tourist attraction.

• Eco-Conscious Footprint: By using only one central pylon rooted near the riverbed, the design significantly minimises environmental disruption to the Tamsui River estuary ecosystem.

About Single-Mast Bridges

Single-mast bridges, also known as single-pylon cable-stayed bridges, use a single tower to support the deck through a network of cables. The design is often chosen for its clean appearance, efficient use of materials, and ability to keep waterways and surrounding views unobstructed. Well-known examples include Russia’s Yugra Bridge, Rotterdam’s Erasmus Bridge and China’s Baishazhou Bridge, all recognised for their distinctive engineering and large-scale spans.

(With inputs from various sources)

FAQs

Where is the Danjiang Bridge located?
It spans the mouth of the Tamsui River in New Taipei City, linking the districts of Tamsui and Bali.

Who designed the bridge?
The bridge was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.

How much time will the bridge save commuters?
It is expected to reduce cross-river travel times by around 25 minutes.

What types of transport can use the bridge?
It is designed for cars, buses, scooters, cyclists, pedestrians and the Danhai Light Rail system.

What makes the bridge’s design unique?
It features a single-mast, asymmetric cable-stayed structure, creating a visually distinctive profile while keeping the river crossing open and unobstructed.