ContentPhoto GalleryNewsSite map

Case Study: Tsing Ma - A Major Suspension Bridge

The opening of Tsing Ma Bridge on time in May 1997 re-established the reputation of Cleveland Bridge in long span bridge construction. With the world’s longest road and rail span it was the culmination of a colossal international effort by a world-wide team.

Tsing Ma Bridge carries twin three lane carriageways and two railtracks over the Ma Wan Channel in Hong Kong Harbour to connect the new international airport at Chep Lap Kok to the centre of Hong Kong. 2.2km long with a 1377m main span, the double deck suspension bridge is designed to maintain access even in typhoon conditions. Its construction in under five years was a major challenge successfully met.

Tsing Ma Bridge, Hong Kong
Tsing Ma Bridge, Hong Kong

Cleveland Bridge was the lead contractor, in the international joint venture, for construction of the bridge superstructure with two 1.1m diameter cables and the continuous steel deck weighing over 30 tonnes/metre. The company was directly responsible for:

  • all design and engineering to build the superstructure;
  • fabrication of over 26,000t of deck components, half the total, to the highest achievable standards;
  • procurement of spinning wire, saddles, and all bridge components from the world-wide market;
  • spinning 28,000t of wire to form the cables at up to 1,000t/week;
  • assembly in China, with Japanese partners, of the suspended deck in units weighing 1,000t each;
  • erection of the 2,200m long deck at site, including lifting of the 1,000t units with gantries on the main cables;
  • precise installation of track form;
  • completion of the bridge with high value surfacings, bearings, expansion joints and deck furniture.

This was a massive project for all concerned. Cleveland Bridge undertook over £290m of work in five years and achieved success founded on its project management capability and the expertise, ingenuity and inventiveness of its engineers.

From Tsing Ma Bridge the Cleveland Bridge team moved on to build the longest span bridge in China, the Jiangyin Yangtze River Bridge – at 1385m it is 8m greater than Tsing Ma.

 

Suspension Bridges