TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan will officially open the Danjiang Bridge (淡江大橋) on Tuesday (May 12), marking the completion of one of the island's most ambitious infrastructure projects. The bridge, designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid's firm, is the world's longest single-tower asymmetric cable-stayed bridge. It spans the Tamsui River (淡水河) between Bali (八里) and Tamsui (淡水) in northern Taiwan.
The bridge is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion in the area. What was previously a lengthy detour will now take just minutes for many drivers. Officials say the bridge will also ease pressure on the heavily used Guandu Bridge (關渡大橋). It will improve connections to Taipei Port (台北港), major highway networks, and Taoyuan International Airport.
The Danjiang Bridge has also drawn international attention for its design. The project was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the internationally renowned firm founded by the late Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. The firm won an international design competition for the bridge in 2015, making it one of Hadid's final major works before her death in 2016.
The bridge's appearance is defined by its single asymmetrical tower and cable structure. Designers said the single-tower concept was chosen to preserve the famous sunset views along Tamsui's waterfront. The design also minimizes the bridge's visual impact on the surrounding landscape. Officials have described the bridge as a combination of advanced engineering and architectural innovation.
As the bridge prepares to open to traffic, authorities hope it will become more than just a transportation link. They are positioning it as a new landmark for the Taipei metropolitan area and a symbol of Taiwan's urban development. The opening ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, with officials expecting large crowds to attend the event. ◼
