An artists rendering shows the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon bridge that, once completed, will be 984 feet high and 1411 feet long. (China Construction Group)
A glass bridge that’s believed to become the world’s tallest and longest is being built in the same Chinese province as a similar walkway that cracked last week under the weight of tourists.
When completed, the bridge will span Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon in Hunan’s Zhangjiajie National Park and is believed to have inspired visuals for James Cameron's 2009 film "Avatar", reports the U.K.'s Mirror.
The bridge is being constructed with 1.9-inch-thick glass panels and several glass observatories at various sections. It will also have the capability to allow tourist to go bungee jumping off it. (AP)
Last week, the newly opened glass bridge in Shiniuzhai National Geological Park—also in Hunan province--cracked after a tourist dropped a metallic water bottle on it. Officials said the cracks were not serious and closed the walkway temporarily until repairs are made.
The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon bridge, which will be 984 feet high and 1411 feet long, is being constructed with 1.9-inch-thick glass panels and several glass observatories at various sections. It will also have the capability to allow tourist to go bungee jumping off it.
The chief architect behind the project is Israeli Haim Dotan, who designed the Expo 2010 Shanghai's Israel Pavilion. China Construction Group, which has been hired for the bridge's construction, began work in June.
To ensure safety, the number of people on the bridge at one time will be limited to 800. (AP)
Project manager Guo Kun stressed that visitors shouldn’t be concerned about the bridge’s safety. "People, especially tourists, will worry a lot since the bridge is all made of glass, but I want to tell everyone that there is no need to worry, because we have done numerous tests, including conducting precise calculation of its carrying capacity when building this glass bridge," said Guo.
He also says the number of people on the bridge at one time will be limited to 800.
The construction of the bridge should be completed at the end of this year, and will be officially open to tourists in January 2016.
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