In combination with the Chongqi Bridge (opened in December 2011), which connects Chongming Island to the north bank of the Yangtze, the bridge–tunnel complex forms the final crossing of the Yangtze before it empties into the East China Sea.

The upper level is for a motorway, and has three lanes in each direction, with a designed speed of 80 kilometres per hour (50 mph).

[citation needed] The Shanghai Yangtze River Bridge starts at the tunnel exit, crosses Changxing Island at ground level, then crosses to Chongming Island, ending at Chenjia Town.

It consists of two long viaducts with a higher cable-stayed section in the middle to allow the passage of ships.

[citation needed] The span arrangement is 92+258+730+258+72 m.[4] The bridge has three road lanes in each direction, with a designed speed of 100 kilometres per hour (62 mph).