Shizi Yang Crossing Main Bridge

The Shizi Yang Crossing is a major highway scheme in the ZhuJiang Delta, in Southeast China, comprising a 12.5km-long viaduct with a main span of 2180m (the world’s largest span once completed). The scheme will strengthen connectivity across one of the world’s most densely populated and economically significant regions, unlocking further development opportunities and facilitating trade.

Knight Architects, working closely with Cowi, was one of two teams invited by CCCC Highways Consultants to develop an alternative concept design for the main bridge. The work included site analysis, identification of constraints and opportunities, options analysis for different bridge elements, and development of an alternative concept design. Deliverables included an architectural report, high-quality renders and a video. Our alternative design features a suspension main span, supported by 367m-tall A-shaped towers, and shorter side spans over frame-shaped piers. The double-deck arrangement accommodates 16 lanes, with the upper and lower decks forming the chords of a Warren truss. Despite the complex engineering and construction constraints, our design seamlessly blends structural innovation with architectural creativity.

The work we produced gave the client confidence to progress this large-scale infrastructure scheme. CCCC Highway Consultants proceeded with the original reference design, and the bridge now under construction is not based on Knight Architects/Cowi alternative concept design.