People, cities, and countries are connected by bridges and engineering marvels. The world’s longest bridges link waterways, wetlands, and marshes, commonly over tough terrain that requires outstanding engineering. These are the world’s 10 longest bridges, and this column will cover their types, lengths, and significant characteristics that make them momentous accomplishments in the story of humanity.
10. Manchac Swamp Bridge, USA
- Type: Dual two-lane elevated highway
- Length: 22.8 miles (36.69 kilometers)
- Key Features: Longest continuous bridge over water in the U.S.
Louisiana’s Manchac Swamp Bridge is a unique long bridge that traverses treacherous ground. This 22.8-kilometer masonry bridge crosses the Manchac Swamp. The bridge is a two-lane overhead expressway that provides effortless travel above the alligator-infested marshes underneath.
One of the longest continuous water bridges, the Manchac Swamp Bridge was completed in 1979. A minimum of 9,500 concrete blocks are pushed deep down into the swamp to strengthen the bridge. This sophisticated marvel connects the city of Baton Rouge to New Orleans, enduring time and climate.
9. Wuhan Metro Bridge, China
- Type: Railway viaduct for metro and light rail
- Length: 23.5 miles (37.95 kilometers)
- Key Features: Vital part of Wuhan Metro, crosses the Yangtze River
China’s Wuhan Metro Bridge serves as essential to its bullet train system. This 23.5-a-mile (37.95-kilometer) overpass is critical to Wuhan Metro Line 1. Integrating metropolitan and light rail features, it connects Wuhan’s hectic town.
Since 2004, the railway viaduct has been one of the longest continuous urban transport bridges. The Yangtze River-crossing Wuhan Metro Bridge connects urban districts and improves transportation services. This represents China’s growing cities and advancements in technology.
8. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, USA
- Type: Dual two-lane highway (two parallel bridges)
- Length: 23.83 miles (38.35 kilometers)
- Key Features: The world’s longest continuous bridge
When it comes to the longest bridge, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana, USA, is significant. This bridge binds New Orleans to Lake Pontchartrain’s northeastern coast for 23.83 yards (38.35 kilometers). Two parallel bridges make the walkway crucial for commuters every day.
Before Asian bridges, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway remained the world’s longest water bridge, inaugurated in 1956. It lives through hurricanes and centuries as an architectural icon despite relinquishing its title. Innovations including hollow asphalt pilings supported the massive footbridge over the lake’s surface.
7. Beijing Grand Bridge, China
- Type: Railway viaduct for high-speed rail
- Length: 29.92 miles (48.15 kilometers)
- Key Features: Designed to withstand seismic activity
Beijing-Shanghai Elevated Speeds Railroad utilizes the architectural masterpiece Beijing Grand Bridge. A section of the globe’s biggest high-speed train network, this viaduct stretches 29.92 a mile (48.15 kilometers). Since 2010, the suspension bridge has reduced the Beijing-Shanghai time for traveling.
China has built outstanding structures like the Beijing Grand Bridge, which traverses waterways and hillsides. The bridge’s seismic resilience is of significance knowing China’s nature. It demonstrates China’s exceptional craftsmanship that has put it at the center of global infrastructure growth.
6. Bang Na Expressway, Thailand
- Type: Six-lane elevated highway
- Length: 33.5 miles (54 kilometers)
- Key Features: Vital transportation link in Bangkok
Another of the world’s longest bridges and the largest elevated roadways is Thailand’s Bang Na Expressway. In Bangkok, this six-lane elevated roadway is a significant traffic path at 33.5 miles (54 kilometers). Following its 2000 fulfillment, the road remained vital to decreasing urban congestion.
The Bang Na Expressway, constructed with 1,800 frames, is a major engineering masterpiece. It rises beyond busy urban areas, making transportation easier and faster for countless vehicle types. Thai roadway modernization and growth in suburbs can be witnessed by this bridge.
5. Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge, China
- Type: Railway viaduct for high-speed rail
- Length: 49.54 miles (79.73 kilometers)
- Key Features: Crosses multiple rivers, once the world’s longest bridge, part of the Zhengzhou-Xi’an High-Speed Railway
Another magnificent structure in China’s rapid transit bridge complex is the Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge. Along the Zhengzhou-Xi’an High-Speed Railway, this span is 49.54 yards (79.73 km). After Chinese architecture topped, it was known as the world’s longest bridge, inaugurated in 2008.
The Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge interconnects Zhengzhou with Xi’an across the Wei River and a couple of other rivers. Advanced innovation ensures robustness and lifespan, even during an earthquake. The structure of this bridge shows China’s commitment to creating robust structures.
4. Tianjin Grand Bridge, China
- Type: Railway viaduct for high-speed rail
- Length: 70.6 miles (113 kilometers)
- Key Features: Crosses rivers and diverse terrains
China’s high-speed train system features the 70.6-mile Tianjin Grand Bridge. Langfang and Qingxian have been joined by this Beijing-Shanghai Extremely fast Train bridge. In 2010, the Tianjin Grand Bridge ended up becoming one of the world’s longest continuous bridges.
This roadway illustrates China’s craftsmanship by transcending waterways and landscapes. It’s an essential element of China’s high-speed rail system, which reduces travel time over massive landscapes, due to its inventive construction techniques. Recent developments like the Tianjin Grand Bridge show China’s unparalleled growth.
3. Cangde Grand Bridge, China
- Type: Railway viaduct for high-speed rail
- Length: 72.6 miles (117 kilometers)
- Key Features: Earthquake-resistant design, crosses rivers and plains
As part of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway, the 72.6-kilometer Cangde Grand Bridge is paramount. Among of the world’s busiest lightning-fast freight trains depends heavily on this 2010 bridge. In light of China’s fault lines, the Cangde Grand Bridge is seismically resilient.
The bridge crosses rivers and landscapes, including the expansive plains of northern China. The construction of China’s rapid train mechanism uses novel approaches to engineering. The Cangde Grand Bridge honors the country’s willingness to high and efficient travel.
2. Changhua–Kaohsiung Viaduct, Taiwan
- Type: Railway viaduct for high-speed rail
- Length: 97.8 miles (157.3 kilometers)
- Key Features: Designed to withstand typhoons and earthquakes
Taiwan’s Changhua–Kaohsiung Viaduct is the world’s second-longest bridge at 97.8 miles (157.3 km). Between Baguashan to Zuoying, Taiwan’s high-speed train system is dependent on this bridge. Starting in 2007, the viaduct has shortened trips on Taiwan’s west coast.
The fast train system in Taiwan is guaranteed to be accurate because of the Changhua–Kaohsiung Viaduct’s storm and earthquake resilience. The sheer width and stability of the bridge characterize it as among several astounding landmarks in the world. It confirms that Taiwan is keen on advanced infrastructure and adequate mobility.
1. The Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge, China
- Type: Railway viaduct for high-speed rail
- Length: 102.4 miles (164.8 kilometers)
- Key Features: The World’s longest bridge, crosses diverse terrains
The world’s longest bridge is the Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge at 102.4 yards (164.8 km). This Jiangsu state bridge unites Danyang and Kunshan, significant to the Beijing-Shanghai Extremely Fast Railway. The contemporary design of bridges excelled with the 2010 Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge.
The bridge traverses rivers, lakes, and plains, showcasing China’s unmatched capability in infrastructure development. It was constructed using advanced techniques to ensure its stability and durability, even in challenging environmental conditions. The Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge is not only the world’s longest bridge but also a symbol of China’s rapid advancement in transportation technology.
Conclusion
The world’s longest bridges are marvels of modern engineering, spanning vast distances and connecting regions in once unimaginable ways. As infrastructure continues to evolve, these bridges will remain critical to the global transportation network. Their construction and maintenance require immense resources and expertise, underscoring the importance of continued investment in infrastructure. The world’s longest bridges stand as testaments to human achievement and will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of global connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the longest bridge-tunnel in the world?
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge holds the title of the longest bridge-tunnel system in the world, spanning 55 kilometers (34 miles). This engineering marvel includes a series of bridges, an undersea tunnel, and artificial islands, connecting Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macau across the Pearl River Delta in China.
What is the longest bridge in the universe?
The Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge in China is the longest bridge on Earth and, by default, the universe. Spanning 102.4 miles (164.8 kilometers), it is part of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway and stands as a testament to modern engineering, crossing diverse terrains, including rivers, lakes, and plains.
What is the world’s longest cable-stayed bridge?
The world’s longest cable-stayed bridge is the Russky Bridge in Russia, connecting Russky Island with the mainland in Vladivostok. The bridge features a central span of 1,104 meters (3,622 feet), making it the longest of its kind, known for its impressive engineering and stunning design.
What is the longest walking suspension bridge in the world?
The Baglung Parbat Footbridge in Nepal is the longest walking suspension bridge in the world. Spanning 567 meters (1,860 feet), it connects two hillsides over a deep gorge in the Himalayas. This pedestrian bridge is not only a marvel of engineering but also a significant boost to the local community, providing a vital link for daily travel.
What is the most recognizable bridge in the world?
The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, USA, is arguably the most recognizable in the world. Its iconic red-orange color and Art Deco design, combined with its stunning location spanning the Golden Gate Strait, make it a global symbol of engineering excellence and a widely recognized American landmark.