The Donghai Bridge, the country's longest sea bridge will undergo its first "physical" later this year.

The bridge was opened less than two years ago but as it stretches far into the East China Sea, regular engineering checks are necessary to ensure there is evidence of erosion.

The bridge engineers promised that the bridge would have a life of at least 100 years. This year's checks will concentrate on the pier girders which are more likely to be affected by sea water.

Depending on the result of the examination, the bridge managers may take further measures to counteract erosion.

The 32.5-kilometer bridge links the very eastern tip of the Nanhui Bridge with the Yangshan Deep-Water Port. It is mainly used as a transport line for container trucks.

The city government has also planned to build a row of wind-driven generators along the bridge to generate green power in the next few years.

It is estimated that the project could cost around two billion yuan (US$267 million).

(Source: www.shanghai.gov.cn )