Zaha Hadid Architects have announced that the Danjiang Bridge, set to become the world’s longest single-tower, asymmetric cable-stayed bridge, will officially open on 12 May 2026. The completion of its final steel decking segment marks the first direct connection between the east and west banks of the Tamsui River estuary in northern Taiwan.
BRIDGES
Designed as a vital link within the region’s infrastructure upgrade program, the bridge will connect Highway 2 on the eastern side of the river with Highway 15, the West Coast Expressway (Route 61), and the Bali-Xindian Expressway (Route 64) on the west. This integration will relieve congestion on the Guandu Bridge 5 km upstream, improving travel between Tamsui District, Linkou, downtown Taipei, and New Taipei City, while providing a faster route to Taoyuan International Airport and the Port of Taipei.
The structure’s design includes dedicated pedestrian and cycle lanes and provisions for the future expansion of the Danhai Light Rail network, strengthening multimodal connectivity across the river.
Situated within the Tamsui River estuary, a protected ecosystem framed by the urban centers of Tamsui and Bali, the bridge has been engineered to minimize visual and environmental disruption. Its 200-metre concrete mast, sculptural and slender, supports a 450-metre central span, a technical solution that ensures stability under extreme weather and seismic conditions without obstructing the estuary’s renowned sunsets.
Positioning of the mast and height of the deck were determined through detailed 3D modeling to maintain safe navigation for vessels while preserving key public viewpoints along the river. The single-tower configuration further reduces impact on the riverbed, aligning with strict conservation protocols.
With major structural works now complete, the project enters its final phase. Crews will install lighting, noise barriers, and auxiliary systems, lay asphalt across the deck, and conduct load tests before the official opening.
