The world’s longest bridges

Bridges are amazing. Feats of engineering and human ingenuity that bring people together over previously impassable distances. Anybody in construction and timber can’t help but be impressed along with everyone else at not only the scale and technologies associated but the materials, engineering, and design involved. This blog contains a seleciton of some the world’s longest bridges.

The Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge, China

Spanning an eye-watering 164.8 km (102.4 miles) long, the Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge is the world’s longest bridge. Built using precast concrete and reinforced structures, it's a testament to modern engineering. It's an integral part of China’s high-speed rail network, connecting Beijing to Shanghai, that took four years and over 10,000 workers to complete. The area is spans is prone to seasonal flooding, as it passes through rice paddies, canals, and rivers.

Bang Na Expressway, Thailand

The Bang Na Expressway is 54 km (33.5 miles) long and is essentially a Bangkok motorway elevated by over 1,800 bridge piers. It takes the title: longest road bridge in the world. The Bang Na Expressway was completed in just over five years, which is really quite staggering.

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, USA

Known as the Eighth Wonder of the World when it opened in 1956, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana, USA, is the longest continuous bridge over water. It spans 38.4 km (23.8 miles) across Lake Pontchartrain and connects the cities of Metairie and Mandeville in Louisiana.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel, USA

This Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel bridge-tunnel hybrid extends for 28.3 km (17.6 miles) and is made up of a mix of bridge spans and underwater tunnels. Connecting the Delmarva Peninsula with the Virginia mainland, with it opened in 1964, it reduced travel time by in excess of 95 miles.

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, China

At 55 km (34 miles), the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge connects the urban centres of Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macau, drastically cutting travel time between the three cities. It also serves as a key element in the development of the Pearl River Delta economic zone. Illuminated at night it’s a particularly stunning sight, casting a dramatic silhouette over the South China Sea.

Runyang Yangtze River Bridge, China

The Runyang Yangtze River Bridge is would you believe a fusion of two bridges, spanning 35.7 km (22.2 miles) over China’s Yangtze River, one of the world’s largest rivers. Completed in 2005, it connects the northern and southern regions of Jiangsu province, reducing travel times and boosting trace between the two regions.

Vasco da Gama Bridge, Portugal

Vasco da Gama Bridge, (pictured) at 12.3 km (7.6 miles), is Europe’s longest bridge. It spans the Tagus River near Lisbon. Opened in 199 and named after the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, the bridge commemorates the 500th anniversary of his voyage when he discovered the sea route to India. Its sleek design is a striking contrast to the ancient city of Lisbon.

Sources:

guinnessworldrecords.com

wikipedia.org
cnn.com