Aerial photo taken on May 16, 2019 shows the closure scene of Qingshan Yangtze River Bridge in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. The 7,548 meter-long Qingshan Yangtze River Bridge is now the widest bridge over Yangtze River. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

WUHAN, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Workers on Thursday joined the two sections of the widest bridge over the Yangtze, China's longest river.

Spanning 7,548 meters, the Qingshan Yangtze River Road Bridge in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, is 48 meters wide. The 10-lane dual-way bridge will have a speed limit of 100 kph. It is the world's longest cable-stayed bridge with a floating system.

The main steel structure of the bridge has no lower beams, meaning it can swing between the giant triangular supporting beams on the sides.

"The bridge's unique design helps avoid the impact of strong winds and earthquakes," said engineer Xu Gongyi.

The bridge forms part of Wuhan's "fourth-ring road" as the city expands. Authorities said the bridge will significantly improve the local road network and contribute to the development of logistics in Wuhan, an important transportation hub in central China.

The bridge is expected to open later this year.

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