On November 11, at around 4 p.m., the Red Flag Extra Large Bridge of Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station in Barkam City, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province, collapsed. The bridge has a total length of 758 meters, a main span of 220 meters, and the main pier reaches a height of 172 meters. It is known as the “Bridge in the Clouds” and was just completed this year.
Videos circulating on November 11 showed a large amount of rocks falling down from the mountains, causing the bridge abutment and deck on one side to fracture and collapse near the mountain. The bridge structure fell into the river below, creating a huge dust cloud.
According to the local authorities, at 4:10 p.m. on November 11, a slope landslide occurred at the right bank bridge head of Hongqi Bridge in Barkam City, along National Highway 317, damaging the road below and parts of the bridge. The landslide led to the interruption of the road between Barkam and Rangtang on National Highway 317. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and the time needed to clear the road is currently uncertain.
A public announcement by Barkam Online at 6:45 p.m. on November 11 stated that around 4 p.m. on the same day, due to increased deformation and mountain collapse, the roadbed and bridge collapsed without casualties. The situation is being further verified, and vehicles are advised to follow the alternative routes as specified in the traffic control notice.
It was further reported that on November 10 around 3 p.m., the right bank slope of Hongqi Bridge in Barkam City showed signs of deformation near kilometer marker 381+030 on National Highway 317. Temporary traffic control measures were taken by relevant authorities, and a traffic control notice was issued.
The Sichuan Expressway Construction and Development Group Co., Ltd. website introduced that on January 14, 2025, the 220-meter mid-span closure segment of the Red Flag Extra Large Bridge on the G317 line of the Dadu River Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station Reservoir Reconstruction Project was successfully completed and the concrete casting was done.
An article from the website of China Electric Power Construction Group Chengdu Survey and Design Institute Co., Ltd. dated January 15, 2025, also mentioned the successful closure of the main span of the Red Flag Extra Large Bridge on the G317 line of the Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station Reconstruction Road.
The Red Flag Extra Large Bridge, located in Baiwan Township, Barkam City, Aba Prefecture, spans the Yangtze River’s eastern source in a “Y” shape, closely connecting the transportation of Barkam, Jinchuan County, and Rangtang County, reshaping the regional traffic pattern. With a total length of 758 meters, the main bridge adopts a continuous rigid structure design with three spans and one connection using prestressed concrete. The main span reaches 220 meters, with the main pillar towering at 172 meters, earning it the title of the “Bridge in the Clouds.”