TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Kinmen Bridge, Taiwan's longest cable-stayed bridge, earned first place in the design category of the Global Road Achievement Awards, presented by the International Road Federation on Friday.

The IRF’s GRAA, established in 2000, honors innovative road projects and individuals. The awards have recognized more than 185 programs, projects and products worldwide, according to the IRF. 

Opened more than two years ago, the 5.4-kilometer-long bridge features a 200-meter main span connecting Kinmen and Lieyu. Its sorghum spike-shaped pylon design was chosen by residents to reflect the region's culture.

Kinmen Bridge is Taiwan’s first deep-water cross-sea bridge. The landmark eliminates the need to rely on ferry schedules for travel to and from Lieyu, providing a more convenient and efficient travel option for residents and visitors, per Classic Kinmen Travel.

A nightly light show illuminates the bridge from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., featuring changing colors throughout the evening. Spectators can enjoy the display from viewpoints such as Jiangong Islet, Ci Lake, and Qilin Mountain in Lieyu.

The Freeway Bureau noted the project overcame significant challenges, including fast currents, large tidal differences, and hard granite bedrock. Adverse weather, including typhoons, as well as the remote island location, further complicated resource mobilization and safety management during construction, per CNA.

Large-scale marine equipment, long-range material transportation over 260 km, and innovative methods like steel caisson cofferdams and precast segmental erection were employed.