Bridges are powerful symbols of human engineering and connect places that were once separated. They also showcase the creativity and ingenuity of the builders. Here is a list of the top 20 engineering bridge constructions from around the world that stand out for their size, design, and history.
Table Engineering Bridge Constructions
Bridge Name | Year of Construction | Country | Type | Total Length | Constructor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Golden Gate Bridge | 1937 | USA | Suspension | 2,737 meters | Strauss Engineering |
Millau Viaduct | 2004 | France | Cable-stayed | 2,460 meters | Eiffage Group |
Akashi Kaikyō Bridge | 1998 | Japan | Suspension | 3,911 meters | Honshu-Shikoku Corp |
Danyang-Kunshan Bridge | 2010 | China | Viaduct | 164,800 meters | China Railway Corp |
Brooklyn Bridge | 1883 | USA | Suspension | 1,834 meters | Roebling & Sons |
Ponte Vecchio | 1345 | Italy | Arch | 84 meters | Neri di Fioravanti |
Sydney Harbour Bridge | 1932 | Australia | Arch | 1,149 meters | Dorman Long |
Tower Bridge | 1894 | UK | Bascule/Suspension | 244 meters | Sir John Wolfe Barry |
Russky Bridge | 2012 | Russia | Cable-stayed | 3,100 meters | Mostovik |
Qingdao Haiwan Bridge | 2011 | China | Beam | 42,500 meters | Shandong Gausu |
Vasco da Gama Bridge | 1998 | Portugal | Cable-stayed | 17,185 meters | Necso & Somague |
Confederation Bridge | 1997 | Canada | Beam | 12,900 meters | Stantec & Strait |
Ponte 25 de Abril | 1966 | Portugal | Suspension | 2,278 meters | American Bridge Co |
Bosphorus Bridge | 1973 | Turkey | Suspension | 1,560 meters | Freeman Fox & Partners |
Øresund Bridge | 2000 | Sweden/Denmark | Cable-stayed | 7,845 meters | Sundlink Consortium |
Sheikh Zayed Bridge | 2010 | UAE | Arch | 842 meters | Zaha Hadid Architects |
Charles Bridge | 1357 | Czech Republic | Stone Arch | 516 meters | Peter Parler |
Helix Bridge | 2010 | Singapore | Pedestrian | 280 meters | Cox Architecture |
Sutong Bridge | 2008 | China | Cable-stayed | 8,206 meters | China Communications |
Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge | 2016 | Turkey | Suspension | 2,164 meters | Astaldi & IC Ictas |
Detailed Description of Top 20 Bridges
Golden Gate Bridge – USA
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic suspension bridges, completed in 1937. Its bright orange-red color contrasts beautifully with the blue waters of San Francisco Bay, making it one of the most photographed bridges in the world.
Millau Viaduct – France
The Millau Viaduct is the tallest bridge in the world, soaring at 343 meters (1,125 ft) above the Tarn River Valley. Opened in 2004, it is a true marvel of modern engineering.
Akashi Kaikyō Bridge – Japan
Also called the Pearl Bridge, this suspension bridge connects the city of Kobe to Awaji Island. Completed in 1998, it holds the record for the longest main span in the world, at 1,991 meters.
Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge – China
At 164 kilometers long, this bridge is the longest in the world! Completed in 2010, it serves as a crucial part of the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway line.
Brooklyn Bridge – USA
The Brooklyn Bridge, built in 1883, was the first steel-wire suspension bridge in the world. It connects Manhattan and Brooklyn and is an essential part of New York’s history.
Ponte Vecchio – Italy
The Ponte Vecchio is an old stone arch bridge over the Arno River, completed in 1345. It is famous for the shops that line both sides of the bridge.
Sydney Harbour Bridge – Australia
Opened in 1932, this iconic arch bridge is a key landmark in Sydney. Locals lovingly call it the “Coathanger” due to its unique shape.
Tower Bridge – UK
The Tower Bridge in London, completed in 1894, is a combination of a suspension and bascule bridge. It is known for its beautiful design and historic tower.
Russky Bridge – Russia
Built in 2012, the Russky Bridge is the world’s longest cable-stayed bridge, with a total length of 3,100 meters.
Qingdao Haiwan Bridge – China
This bridge is 42 kilometers long, crossing Jiaozhou Bay. Completed in 2011, it holds the Guinness World Record for the longest bridge over water.
Vasco da Gama Bridge – Portugal
The Vasco da Gama Bridge is 17 kilometers long and helps ease traffic in Lisbon. It was completed in 1998 for the Expo 98.
Confederation Bridge – Canada
This beam bridge connects Prince Edward Island with mainland Canada. Opened in 1997, it stretches 12.9 kilometers across the Northumberland Strait.
Ponte 25 de Abril – Portugal
Completed in 1966, this suspension bridge in Lisbon is often compared to the Golden Gate Bridge because of its similar color and structure.
Bosphorus Bridge – Turkey
Opened in 1973, this suspension bridge connects Europe and Asia over the Bosphorus Strait.
Øresund Bridge – Sweden/Denmark
This 7.8-kilometer bridge connects Sweden and Denmark, functioning as both a bridge and a tunnel. It opened in 2000.
Sheikh Zayed Bridge – UAE
Designed by Zaha Hadid, this modern arch bridge opened in 2010 in Abu Dhabi. Its curving shape represents desert dunes.
Charles Bridge – Czech Republic
Started in 1357, the Charles Bridge is a historic stone bridge in Prague. It is known for the beautiful statues that line its sides.
Helix Bridge – Singapore
The Helix Bridge is a pedestrian bridge opened in 2010. Its spiral design was inspired by the structure of DNA.
Sutong Bridge – China
Opened in 2008, this cable-stayed bridge has a main span of 1,088 meters, making it one of the longest of its kind.
Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge – Turkey
Completed in 2016, this suspension bridge is one of the widest in the world, with eight lanes of traffic and two railway lines.
Conclusion
These are the top 20 engineering bridge constructions in the world that highlight the achievements of human engineering, creativity, and hard work. From ancient stone arches to modern cable-stayed giants. All the bridge is a symbol of connection and innovation. If you ever get the chance, make sure to visit one of these amazing bridges.