Construction is underway on the Zhoushan Taoyaomen Bridge in China, a major infrastructure project that will carry both highway and rail traffic and is expected to set a record for span length in its class.

While Roads & Bridges primarily covers North American infrastructure, projects like the Taoyaomen Bridge highlight global innovations and construction approaches worth watching.

The bridge is part of the Ningbo-Zhoushan Railway, a key corridor designed to connect island communities and strengthen regional mobility. Once complete, the crossing will feature a 666-meter (2,185-foot) main span and serve as a critical link between Fuchi and Cezi islands, according to a press release. 

For project teams, one of the biggest challenges is the marine environment. Crews are dealing with open-water conditions, wind exposure and limited staging space—all of which can complicate heavy lifting operations and structural assembly.

To address those constraints, the contractor selected two topless tower cranes designed for large-scale infrastructure work. The cranes offer high lifting capacity and reduced tie-in requirements, which allows for greater flexibility and efficiency on congested or space-limited sites.

On projects like Taoyaomen, equipment performance can directly affect construction timelines. Reliable lifting operations are especially important when working over water, where delays can quickly compound due to weather and logistical constraints.

The cranes are being used to support a range of heavy lifts throughout the build, while also minimizing the need for additional structural support connections—an approach that can streamline erection processes and improve jobsite productivity.

Construction on the bridge began in January 2025, with completion scheduled for later this year. When finished, the crossing will not only improve regional connectivity but also contribute to China’s broader high-speed rail expansion program.

Sources: Potain