On the 20th, the left span of the continuous rigid-frame bridge of the Yuliangxi Grand Bridge on the Pengshui–Youyang section of the Chongqing–Hunan (Yuxiang) Double-Track Expressway was successfully closed, marking the closure of the left main bridge of the grand bridge. Construction of the Pengshui–Youyang section of the Yuxiang Double-Track Expressway has entered its sprint phase, laying a solid foundation for the full opening of the line.

The Yuliangxi Grand Bridge, with a total length of 1,758 meters, is an integral (monolithic) bridge spanning a tributary of the Wujiang River. Its maximum pier height is 72.325 meters, equivalent to a 25-story building. It is being constructed by China Railway 25th Bureau Group.

The main piers of the bridge are located beside the Wujiang River, with the pier shafts standing on the steep mountains along the river. "If conventional blasting were used to blast the mountain and cut a road, it would certainly cause environmental pollution to the Wujiang River," said the person in charge of the China Railway 25th Bureau Pengshui–Youyang Road Section 4 project. After extensive demonstration and argumentation, they used hydraulic breakers to "cut a road through the mountains," and over more than 100 days they carved out a 144-meter access road along the river.

To ensure controllable construction safety and quality and to improve construction efficiency, the project team also used a BIM simulation system for calculation and analysis. Following multiple rounds of expert demonstration and optimization within the industry, they adjusted the construction plan, overcame multiple difficulties including high piers, long spans, and environmental protection, and achieved the smooth closure of the left-span continuous rigid frame of the main bridge.

"At present, all 26 tunnels on the Pengshui–Youyang Road have been holed through, and the superstructures of 45 bridges are under construction. China Railway Construction Corporation builders are going all out for the final sprint toward the full opening of the Pengshui–Youyang Road," said the person in charge of the Yuxiang Double-Track Expressway general contracting department of China Railway Construction Chongqing Investment Group.

It is understood that the Yuxiang Double-Track Expressway project has a total length of 280 kilometers and consists of three sections: Banan to Pengshui, Pengshui to Youyang, and Wulong to Daozhen, with an average bridge-to-tunnel ratio of 80%. Once completed, the project will effectively alleviate congestion on the existing Yuxiang Expressway and is of great significance for developing local tourism resources along the route and promoting the integration of transportation and tourism in the region.