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You have probably come across some world’s biggest bridges when commuting from one place to another over water or valleys. Bridges are vital transportation structures that offer safe passage across massive water bodies, such as seas and oceans.
While most bridges help people relocate from one place to another, they can also serve as attractions, especially the biggest and longest ones. Such bridges are built with sturdy metals, concrete, and wires to support massive weights.
Whether suspension, cable-stayed, or arch, most bridges can withstand destructive natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods. Besides, the bridges can also withstand impacts by heavy vessels like cargo ships.
In this article, we look at some of the biggest bridges in the world, including their unique features that makes them spectacular. Keep reading and learn more.
Top 10 Biggest Bridges in the World
World’s biggest bridges are generally fantastic and full of fun. As you commute, you get the chance to enjoy a spectacular view of the waters. Here are some of the most impressive and biggest bridges in the world.
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge
Located in China, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai- Macau Bridge is the longest sea bridge in the world. This impressive bridge is 34 miles, including the access roads. Chinese engineers built this bridge to connect Hong Kong to Macau, and finally, the mainland city, Zhuhai.
The Chinese government spent around US$20 billion to construct the bridge. The bridge can withstand massive earthquakes up to a magnitude of 8, a typhoon, and also a strike by a 300,000-tonne cargo. Impressively, the bridge also connects to an artificial island.
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Located in Japan, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the world, reflecting the role and potential of architectural engineering in modern construction. The bridge comprises giant wires and pylons that suspend the bridge in mid-air.
The bridge is 2.4 miles long, connecting Awaji Island with Kobe City on Honshu mainland. Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is strong enough to withstand earthquakes of high magnitudes of up to 8.5. It can also withstand strong winds with a speed of up to 180mph.
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
Located in Louisiana, Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is one of the biggest bridges in the US. It is the longest continuous bridge that spans over water, measuring 23.87 miles. It doesn’t have any artificial island in between like that of the Hong Kong-Macau Bridge.
This most impressive bridge lies across Lake Pontchartrain, connecting Mandeville and New Orleans on the opposite side. Commuters do not have to drive around the lake to the other side, reducing the drive time by one hour at a maximum speed of 65mph.
Beipanjiang Bridge Duge
When it comes to height, the Duge Bridge is one of the most incredible bridges to visit. It is the highest bridge in China and the rest of the world. The height between the bridge and the ground is roughly 1,854 feet, while its length is about 4,400 feet.
Located in Guizhou Province, the Bridge Duge connects two sides separated by a deep valley. Guizhou has ravine-filled and mountainous landscapes that made transportation quite tricky. Thankfully, there are many other bridges of such kind in the province.
Ted Smout Memorial Bridge
It is the longest bridge in Australia, measuring about 2.7 kilometers long. The bridge looks incredible as it has three lanes. Two for regular traffic and one for transit. It also has a pedestrian and cycle path that’s 4.5 meters wide on both sides.
The Ted Smout Memorial Bridge is 3.8 meters high and can withstand strong winds and storms. Notably, there are many other impressive projects similar to this one in Australia. You can read more about other incredible projects in the country.
Millau Viaduct Bridge
Millau Viaduct is one of the most incredible bridges when it comes to tallness. In other words, the height between the tallest point and the earth ground. The bridge’s pier and mast rise 1,100 feet above the ground, making it more spectacular.
This cable-stayed bridge is the highest of its kind in the whole world. Situated in France, the bridge spans across the Tarn River Valley. It consists of eight cable-stayed spans with a length that totals up to 1.53 miles (2,460 meters).
Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge
Located in China, Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge is one of the longest in the country. It is about 102.4 miles long, forming part of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway. The bridge started operating in 2011 and has since reduced congestion in the region. Building this impressive bridge cost the government $8.5 billion.
Tianjin Grand Bridge
As the third-longest bridge in the world, the Tianjin Grand Bridge encompasses about 71 miles. Impressively, it is also part of the famous Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway. It connects Qingxian and Langfang to the High-Speed Railway. Tianjin Grand Bridge was once the second-longest bridge in the world, as listed in the Guinness World Records.
Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge
Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge was once the longest bridge in the world after its completion in 2008. The bridge is 49.5 meters long and traverses the Wei River twice and other rivers. Besides, it links Zhengzhou and Xian, forming part of the Zhengzhou-Xian High-Speed Railway. Unfortunately, it’s not the longest bridge anymore.
Changhua-Kaohsiung Viaduct
Changhua-Kaohsiung Viaduct stretches 97.8 miles, making it the second-longest bridge in the world. The bridge spans from Changhua County in Taiwan mainland to the Zuoying District located in Southern Taiwan. Impressively, it forms part of the Taiwan High-Speed Rail network. The bridge can also resist strong earthquakes of high magnitudes.
Final Words
The biggest bridges in the world are the most incredible transportation structures that help commuters to move from one side to another across valley or water bodies. If you have never seen one, you need to visit any of the ten world’s biggest bridges mentioned above to have fun while enjoying a spectacular view over the valleys, lakes, oceans, or seas.
