A rendering of the new cross-river channel linking Rugao and Zhangjiagang [Photo/ ntfabu.com]

Construction of a new bridge across the Yangtze River will start in 2021 to connect Rugao in Nantong with Zhangjiagang in Suzhou, according to the Nantong bureau of transport.

The channel will consist of two suspension bridges, one of which will cross the main part of the Yangtze River with a span of 2,300 meters, while the other will cross a branch of the river and have a span of 717 m.

Upon completion, the main bridge will set several world records, namely the longest suspension bridge, the highest steel-concrete tower, the longest cable and the largest anchor foundation.

The bridge, located in the middle of the Shanghai-Suzhou-Nantong metropolitan area, is one of 44 river bridges that the Jiangsu Provincial Government aims to build by 2035.

Officials said the Rugao-Zhangjiagang bridge will help alleviate traffic congestion across the Yangtze River within the province.