World’s highest bridge that only took three years to build is set to open this year

Although it might seem like it takes your local council a decade to fill a few pot holes in, things are a lot speedier in other corners of the world.

Take China, for example, where the world's highest bridge has been erected in just three years. Now that's some serious efficiency.

Although larger and more complex projects like this are often a labour of love rather than a quick process, the East Asian nation hasn't hung about when it comes to the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge.

Standing a whopping 625 metres above the Beipan River, the suspension bridge in the Guizhou province will be the highest bridge on the planet.

That's nearly 200 metres taller than the Empire State Building and nine times bigger than San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge - so if you aren't a fan of heights, you'll want to avoid this one.

But locals will be lapping it up when it eventually opens later this year, as it is set to shorten their travel time across the gorge from over an hour to just a few minutes.

The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge will connect the areas of Liuzhi and Anlong in the Guizhou province via a motorway, but it's also quite the work of art too.

It is hoped that the bridge, which stretches between two mountain tops and is under two miles in length, will breathe new life into the district and attract tourists.

There are plans to set up facilities for extreme sports at the bottom of the canyon when the project is finished, so it sounds like it really will be the hot new place to be very soon.

Deputy director of the Guizhou Transport Department, Chen Jianlei, said: "The completion of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge will strengthen economic ties between Guiyang, Anshun and Qianxinan, fostering regional economic integration."

So, that 22,000 ton overpass could be revolutionary for the rural region, if all goes to plan.

Politician Zhang Shenglin, seemed to agree, as he also explained the upcoming unveiling of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is also a chance to show off China's talents.

"This super project spanning the 'Earth's crack' will showcase China's engineering capabilities and boost Guizhou's goal of becoming a world-class tourist destination," he said.

"Its steel trusses weigh about 22,000 metric tons - the equivalent of three Eiffel Towers - and were installed in just two months."

Cough, cough, humble brag. But hey, who can blame him?

Dizzying footage from above the bridge has been circulating on social media, showing the crews sorting out the finishing touches.

But the most impressive aspect of the ambitious creation is how quickly the construction process has been, as workers first picked up tools in 2022.

It's set to be ready for use in June this year - and I think we can all agree that completing an engineering masterpiece in just three years is a seriously impressive feat.

The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is reported to have cost a hefty £216 million, so let's hope China does enjoy the boost in tourism it is hoping for.

Li Zhao, chief engineer of the project, said: "Witnessing my work becomes something tangible - watching the bridge grow day by day and finally stand tall above the canyon - gives me a profound sense of achievement and pride."

We can't wait to see it, lad. Roll on June!