Guiyang ensures safety of 32 urban bridges and tunnels

With the completion of safety inspections at Houbachong Bridge in Yunyan district on Dec 21, Guiyang concluded its citywide safety inspection program for 32 urban bridges and tunnels this year.

As a key transportation hub in Yunyan, Houbachong Bridge has long carried heavy traffic, with its structural safety vital to residents' daily travel and the smooth operation of regional traffic networks.

Using non-destructive testing technologies, inspectors conducted a comprehensive assessment of damage conditions and severity across 30 bridges and two tunnels. The inspections systematically evaluated structural reliability, durability, and load-bearing capacity; assigned technical condition ratings; and proposed targeted maintenance recommendations, providing a solid scientific basis for subsequent repair and reinforcement work.

At the inspection sites, professional teams organized by the Guiyang Engineering Service Center conducted operations in strict accordance with technical standards. Bridge inspection vehicles were deployed to access concealed areas such as the undersides of bridges, while specialized equipment, including ultrasonic detectors, rebar cover meters, and crack observation instruments, was used to conduct all-around checks of key components such as main girders, piers, bearings, and expansion joints.

By identifying potential safety risks early, these inspections help prevent major public safety incidents such as bridge collapses, prompt maintenance authorities to address defects in a timely manner, and enhance the safety and reliability of urban infrastructure. The approach also extends service life while reducing maintenance frequency and fiscal expenditure, delivering dual benefits in safety assurance and resource efficiency.