Hyder Consulting and LD Asia Architects have been appointed to prepare the concept and preliminary design following the acceptance of their scheme design study. They will continue to support and advise HPDI, one of China's largest highway design institutes, in the detailed design and construction phases. Construction will start in early 2006, with completion in 2008.

The new structure, to be known as the Yaojiang Airport Road Bridge, will have a clear main span of 200m over the Yao Jiang River. It will carry a dual four lane highway and pedestrian walkways.

"The twin off-set pylons and fan cables reflect Ningbo's maritime and Silk Road history, bringing it up-to-date to match the city's new international image," said Hyder Consulting project director Francis Kung.