Reporter's diary: World's longest bridge

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I'm standing at the highest point of the world's longest bridge, the Jiaozhou Bay Bridge in east China's Shandong Province.

The trouble is I can't see much as a thick sea mist has descended and is impairing my view of what is a six lane highway linking three points, Qingdao, Hongdao and Huangdao – all areas known for their excellent sea food.

Before it was put up the locals had to drive all the way round the Jaozhou Bay – which – if you think of China as being shaped like a giant rooster – the bridge crosses the big bay that forms the neck of the bird. Look it up on the map you'll soon see what I mean.

The position of Jiaozhou Bay Bridge in China, and how it reduces the travel distance. /Picture by CGTN's Zhang Xuecheng

The bridge – which takes 35,000 vehicles a day for a toll fee of 50 yuan (about eight US dollars) – saves drivers about 30-minutes in journey time and about the same amount in kilometers.

Construction started back in 2007 and was competed in 2011, using 2.3 million cubic meters of concrete and 450,000 tons of steel.

It's 41 kilometers long, with a 28km section built over the sea.

The bridge can withstand earthquakes, typhoons and even ship collisions.

Forbes Magazine describes it as one of the world's most amazing bridges, and an addition to the list of famous bridges including the iconic Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.

But the Jiaozhou Bay Bridge's place in history as the world's longest is to be short–lived sadly.

Another magic China construction project has been completed in south China, linking the cities of Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao.

Night view of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge with lights on. /VCG Photo

As I go live on CGTN TV from the bridge – cars and trucks roar past – I'm glad the police are here to protect me and my team.

Later in the control room we see how, using multiple survey cameras, staff and police officers can monitor every inch of the roadway – so speed kings beware. If you go speeding, you are sure to receive a fine ticket in no time.

And spare a respective thought for the one hundred or so workers who have to go out 24/7 in all types of weather to keep the bridge in good condition.