The Yangtze River is an essential lifeline to millions of people around China, not only providing drinking water, but acting as a major transport route. In recent decades bridge building has increased significantly and the landscapes bordering the Yangtze have changed drastically as new infrastructure has been erected. People are curious to know the number of bridges over the Yangtze.
As of 2021, there are 149 bridges spanning the Yangtze River and its tributaries. 43 of those bridges span the main trunk of the Yangtze with the longest being the Chaotianmen Bridge in Chongqing. At a 7,638-metre long this spectacular cable-stayed bridge takes 2 years to construct.
When the Chinese government began constructing new bridges, some experts criticized the move, claiming it would create environmental disruptions, fragment wildlife corridors, and fragments the natural flow of the waters. Dr Zhang, an expert in river ecology, worries about the long-term impacts of these artificial barriers. “There might be situations in which building a bridge is beneficial,” he said. “But in general, the environmental damage caused by a bridge can outweigh the benefits.”
The three gorges area of the Yangtze River is facing increasing levels of sedimentation. This is being caused by the seasonal melting of glacial ice, accelerated by climate change, as well as the construction of several dams and bridges. Professor Li, a hydrologist at Nanjing University, believes this could lead to the appearance of different sediment sources, affecting the main bed of the river and possibly impacting the flooding situation in the region.
More bridges are being constructed across the Yangtze in order to facilitate trade and transport between the east-west provinces. For example, the recent opening of the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge has greatly improved traffic between Shanghai and Nanjing, reducing travel times from 4 hours to 1 hour. The construction of this bridge has no doubt brought economic development to the region.
In spite of the strong economic development in China, the Yangtze River remains largely polluted due to agricultural runoff, industrial activities and high numbers of ships travelling up and down the river. The Yangtze Bridge Initiative is an organisation that aims to increase public awareness of the Yangtze River and the importance of conserving it. With its popular annual Yangtze Championships it enlists the help of people from all across China to participate in activities related to the conservation of the river and its surrounding areas.
The increasing number of bridges across the Yangtze River has been both beneficial and detrimental to the country. However, the Yangtze Bridge Initiative is a positive step towards protecting and restoring this valuable natural resource.
Measuring the Impacts of Bridge Building
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has evaluated the impacts of Bridge Building on the Yangtze River. They’ve concluded that artificial infrastructure has decreased fish populations and their movements in the river, as well as adversely affecting the habitats of migratory fish. They’ve also noticed a decrease in population of large wild mammals, such as dolphins and giant salamanders.
The IUCN study has also proven that the erection of bridges has caused a decrease in the flow of sediment downstream of the bridges. This accumulation of sediment has caused a dramatic relocation of sediment, leading to potential future impacts on the tidal flats and taking away opportunities for cetaceans to feed.
To mitigate the impacts of bridge building, the IUCN suggests lowering bridge heights at certain points to allow for easier passage of fish and sediments, and creating and restoring habitats near bridges to attract additional species. Additionally, they suggest the use of fish- and sediment-friendly construction materials and stencils for marking and counting fish.
High Environmental Standards for Bridge Building
The Chinese government is aware of the importance of the Yangtze River and its tributaries as significant infrastructure, environmental and cultural resources. They have implemented several environmental standards for bridge building, such as creating a threshold for the total maximum amount of carbon dioxide emitted from construction and ensuring that no bridge will significantly alter geomorphology.
In 2018, the State Environmental Protection Administration issued guidelines governing the assessment of river-crossing projects, demanding a more thorough evaluation of the potential consequences of bridge building. These guidelines require assessments to be made on potential changes to hydrological regimes and natural habitats, as well as the risk of earthquakes, storms and ship collisions.
The strict environmental standards established by the Chinese government allow bridge building to take place responsibly and with minimal environmental damage.
Conclusion of the Benefits of Bridge Building
The construction of bridges across the Yangtze River is essential infrastructure building that can bring numerous benefits such as improved access to medical care and transport, increased economic prospects and improved tourism opportunities.
When planning new bridges across the Yangtze it is essential to consider potential environmental impacts and adhere to the strict standards set by the Chinese government. There are numerous initiatives, such as the Yangtze Bridge Initiative, aiming to raise awareness of the potential risks and rewards of bridge building.
Environmental Education Campaigns
The Chinese government has partnered with environmental organizations, such as WWF and IUCN, to launch environmental awareness campaigns and programs to help educate people about the importance of conserving the Yangtze River.
Schools, universities and local communities have been participating in these initiatives, teaching children about the wildlife and cultural history of the Yangtze River. Local environmental organisations are also working to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the river, such as plastic waste, by launching campaigns to reduce people’s consumption of single-use plastics.
Furthermore, the Chinese government is funding research into the development of renewable energy sources along the Yangtze, such as solar and wind energy, to reduce the amount of emissions produced by the ships travelling along the river.
Implications on Centuries-old Culture
The bridge building across the Yangtze River has had an adverse effect on its traditional cultures, as it fragments local communities and isolates them from each other. The erosion of local culture is one of the unintended consequences of bridge building, as fishermen, farmers and other locals are periodically cut off from their way of livelihood.
This has caused a disruption in the migratory patterns of fish and aquatic species, affecting the livelihoods of many local people who rely heavily on fishing for their food and income. People have been resisting the construction of new bridges in order to protect their habitat, but it isn’t enough as the infrastructure continues to be built.
The Chinese government should take measures to protect local habitats but also create economic opportunities for people living in the area. This could be done through job training and the promotion of sustainable fishing practices.
A Bright Future for the Yangtze
With new bridges being built responsibly and the involvement of local communities in the conservation of the river, there is hope for a bright future for the Yangtze River.
The development of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind energy, will reduce emissions caused by ships travelling up and down the river. The Chinese government is also making progress in repairing damaged ecosystems, such as wetlands and tidal flats, to help restore the river’s biodiversity.
The bridge building projects along the Yangtze River, when done responsibly and following strict environmental regulations, can help foster development and create opportunities for local people. At the same time, with effective conservation initiatives and education campaigns, the Yangtze is well on its way to a healthier future.
