Guiyang-Nanning HSR installs sound, light barriers to protect ecology

On March 20, project teams finished the installation of sound and light barriers along the Chengjiang Super Large Bridge (Chengjiang Bridge), which is the longest bridge of the Guiyang-Nanning High Speed Railway.

Located in Du'an Yao autonomous county, Guangxi, the Chengjiang Bridge crosses the Chengjiang National Wetland Park and the Chengjiang River water source protection zone in Du'an Yao autonomous county. In the park and zone are 22 species of national level II protected animals, such as the lesser coucal, the black-winged kite, and the besra, which are sensitive to noise and light.

"Setting up barriers can reduce noise and light pollution for surrounding plants and wild life," said Zhang Tao, deputy manager of the Guiyang-Nanning High Speed Railway Project Department of China Railway Beijing Engineering Group.

Su Li, chief engineer of the Guiyang-Nanning High Speed Railway Project Department of China Railway Beijing Engineering Group, introduced: "After scientific simulation testing, we have decided to utilize 4-meter-high sound and light barriers in the sections crossing the wetland parks and nature reserves. The barriers have a length of 3.7 kilometers and an area of 29,808 square meters. The cost of these barriers is 38 million yuan ($5.5 million), and the only design requirement was that the wind pressure resistance should not be less than 5 kilopascals."

After the installation of the barriers, there will be a reduction in the impact of the high speed railway on the natural wildlife. These barriers will also prevent birds from entering the operation range and colliding with the trains, while also improving the operation safety of the line.

The Guiyang-Nanning High Speed Railway crosses the Chengjiang National Wetland Park. [Photo/Hechi Daily]