CRCC Honored with Two Global Bridge Engineering Awards
In a remarkable demonstration of engineering excellence and innovation, China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) has recently received global recognition at the 2025 International Bridge Conference (IBC). Two of its major infrastructure projects—the Hongqili Grand Bridge and the Huangmaohai Sea-Crossing Passage—were each honored with highly esteemed international awards. The Hongqili Grand Bridge was presented with the Theodore Cooper Award, while the Huangmaohai Sea-Crossing Passage earned the George S. Richardson Medal. These accolades not only highlight CRCC’s continued leadership in advanced bridge engineering but also signify a broader recognition of China’s growing influence on the global infrastructure stage.
These honors carry substantial weight, as only six awards were presented globally at this year’s IBC, positioning CRCC as the recipient of one-third of the world’s top bridge awards in 2025. This level of achievement underscores the corporation’s commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainable development in some of the world’s most challenging construction environments. Hongqili Grand Bridge: Redefining Arch Bridge Engineering
The Hongqili Grand Bridge serves as a critical segment of the Nansha Port Railway, an essential transportation artery designed to enhance freight and passenger movement in southern China. Its design and construction represent a leap forward in the field of bridge engineering, especially in the use of twin steel truss flexible arches spanning 360 meters each—making it the longest bridge of its kind globally.
This feat of modern engineering was not without its challenges. The bridge crosses a riverbed with a distinctive “W” formation and navigates through intersecting shipping lanes, demanding a highly adaptive and resilient structural solution. CRCC’s design team responded with a hybrid arch system that delivers exceptional spanning capability and robust load-bearing performance, setting a new standard for large-span rail infrastructure.
One of the most remarkable innovations implemented in the Hongqili project is the lightweight ballastless deck system, a design that reduces structural weight by an impressive 55%. This achievement not only enhances the bridge’s seismic performance and overall durability but also results in cost savings exceeding $13 million USD, according to project engineers. The incorporation of a ballastless track also ensures lower maintenance over the bridge’s lifecycle, further improving operational efficiency.
To address the frequent typhoon threats in the region, the engineering team pioneered a number of new construction methodologies. These included simultaneous cantilever assembly and large-segment lifting techniques, both of which enabled accelerated timelines without compromising safety. In addition, CRCC introduced millimeter-level precision track installation processes—ensuring reliable train operation and long-term structural integrity.
The bridge has become more than just an infrastructural success; it stands as a symbol of modern rail engineering, offering a blueprint for future projects requiring both scale and complexity.
Huangmaohai Sea-Crossing Passage: A Landmark of Aesthetic and Technical Brilliance
Spanning approximately 14 kilometers of open sea, the Huangmaohai Sea-Crossing Passage connects the Jinwan District of Zhuhai City with Taishan in Jiangmen City, serving as a vital link within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The project’s scale and sophistication have earned it international recognition and made it a hallmark of integrated design and execution.
At the heart of the project lie two three-tower cable-stayed bridges, each showcasing 720-meter main spans—a rarity in global bridge construction. These spans are supported by an architecturally stunning and structurally daring design known as the “hyperboloid single-column tower” coupled with split steel box girders. This unique structure provides a harmonious blend of elegance and strength, reflecting the ongoing trend of engineering merging seamlessly with visual design.
The towers’ distinct “slender waist” silhouette has not only become an engineering marvel but also an iconic landmark in the region. Visible from miles away, these towers symbolize both the region’s forward-thinking infrastructure initiatives and CRCC’s capability in delivering complex projects under challenging environmental and logistical conditions.
Beyond aesthetics, the Huangmaohai Passage incorporates groundbreaking engineering techniques that push the boundaries of bridge design. These include:
- Advanced wind resistance technology: Designed to withstand extreme marine wind forces, including typhoon-level gusts common in the South China Sea.
- Modular prefabricated construction: Utilized to improve efficiency, reduce onsite labor, and maintain high-quality control during the building phase.
- Smart construction and monitoring systems: Featuring AI-based alignment tools, automated welding, and digital twin modeling for real-time progress and structural analysis.
- Environmentally responsible practices: Including coral reef protection, marine ecosystem monitoring, and the use of low-carbon construction materials.
These innovations are not simply technical triumphs—they reflect a broader push toward sustainability, resilience, and digital transformation in civil engineering. The Huangmaohai project is now considered a benchmark in sea-crossing bridge construction, offering valuable insights for future developments in similarly demanding environments worldwide.A Global Statement in Infrastructure Excellence
The recognition of CRCC’s projects by the International Bridge Conference is more than a ceremonial accolade—it signals a growing trend of Chinese engineering leadership in global infrastructure development. By combining ambitious vision, cutting-edge design, and sustainability, CRCC continues to redefine what is possible in the world of bridge construction.
With the Theodore Cooper Award and George S. Richardson Medal now in its portfolio, CRCC has set a new precedent for international collaboration and excellence in engineering. These awards reflect the company’s relentless drive to innovate and lead the way in tackling some of the most complex engineering challenges of our time.
As urbanization accelerates and demand for resilient infrastructure increases, CRCC’s accomplishments provide a compelling model for future infrastructure projects. By prioritizing technological advancement, environmental stewardship, and public utility, the company not only constructs bridges—but also builds pathways to sustainable development, economic growth, and cross-border connectivity.
