The five-day testing process confirmed that the bridge's structural strength, stiffness and dynamic performance met safety standards. The bridge is expected to open to traffic in late September.

"This bridge is an unprecedented engineering feat," said Wu Zhaoming, project manager for the bridge construction process, who is with Guizhou Transportation Investment Group Co., Ltd. Wu added that the team overcame challenges ranging from controlling temperatures in massive concrete pours to securing slopes in the steep canyon terrain -- all while faced with powerful winds.

Construction began in January 2022, and the main span was joined earlier this year. Once open, the bridge will run 2,890 meters end to end, with its central span stretching 1,420 meters, making it the largest span bridge built in mountainous terrain worldwide. From deck to water it rises 625 meters -- a height that makes it the tallest bridge on Earth.

For local residents, the impact will be immediate. Travel across the canyon, which once took two hours, will shrink to just two minutes.