Britannica Sources used in this answer

What role did the 1968 Nanjing Yangtze rail and highway bridge play in transportation?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Jiangsu Qiling Pagoda, Yangzhou, Jiangsu province, China.

The completion of the Nanjing Yangtze rail and highway bridge in 1968 was a transformative development for regional infrastructure, establishing Nanjing as a vital north-south and east-west communications hub.1

By replacing the rail ferry that previously operated between Pukou and Xiaguan, the bridge significantly improved connectivity across the Yangtze River. The structure spans more than 20,000 feet (6,100 meters) and features a dual-level design that serves as a critical artery for both rail and road traffic: it carries a double-track railroad on its lower deck and a four-lane highway on its upper deck. This integration of rail and highway transport facilitated more efficient movement of goods and people, strengthening the city's role within the broader transportation network of Jiangsu province.21