China bridge becomes world's highest and longest

London, April 4 (IANS) At 1,102 feet up and 3,858 feet across, the ambitious suspension bridge in China's Hunan province has become the highest and longest in the world.

The Anzhaite Long-span Suspension Bridge in Jishou was officially opened to motorists Tuesday, Daily Mail reported.

Work on the engineering feat started in October 2007 and the bulk of the work finished at the end of last year.

Drivers can take in the views of the Dehang Canyon as they steer their way across all 3,858 feet of the new sky-high road which links two tunnels.

The bridge, which is lit up at night with 1,888 lights, is the fourth suspension bridge to cross a valley so wide it seems to be connecting two mountain ranges, the Mail said.

Once on the bridge cars and lorries can motor along a two-way, four-lane motorway at about 50 mph. Pedestrians can also walk along it on a special walkway under the road.

The bridge is a key part of the Jishou-Chadong Expressway, a 64-km road which has 18 different tunnels that cover about half of its length.

It is hoped the bridge will help ease traffic jams which are common in the mountainous area which has narrow, steep and winding roads.

The structure is supported by a base 78 feet wide, the Mail added.