From art deco concrete constructions to ultra modern futuristic designs, some of the bridges are examples of the world’s finest architecture. Whether crossing the bays, spanning the gorges, or winding through the cities, the bridges are also examples of the world’s most demanding engineering challenges.
See some of the most amazing bridges on the globe.
1. The Brooklyn Bridge
New York. USA.
An iconic part of the New York skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the USA. Designed to span the East River, the bridge was completed in 1883 and until 1903 it was the longest suspension bridge in the world.
2. The Millau Viaduct
South of France
Only 37 m (121 ft) shorter than the Empire State Building in New York, the Millau Viaduct is the tallest bridge in the world. 343.0 m (1,125 ft) tall and 2,460 m (8,071 ft) long, this giant construction, spanning the valley of the river Tarn, is one of the most impressive road-bridges on the globe. It was opened to traffic in December 2004.
3. The Helix Bridge
Singapore
The Helix Bridge is an ultra modern double-helix structure that emerged in Singapore in April 2010. Besides its function of linking Marina Centre with Marina Bay in the city, the bridge also serves as a gallery and an observation platform, providing amazing views of Singapore.
4. The Millenium Bridge
London. UK.
Among London's numerous bridges, the Millennium Footbridge a.k.a. the Wobbly Bridge, is the first pedestrian-only bridge crossing the River Thames. Linking the City of London, near St. Paul's' Cathedral and the Tate Modern Gallery, the bridge is one of the most pleasant walking paths in the city. It was opened in 2000, but due to some unexpected lateral vibration it was closed after two days of its opening and successfully reopened in 2002.
5. The Rainbow Bridge
Tokyo. Japan.
The Rainbow Bridge linking Tokyo with Odaiba, the city's waterfront development, is one of the most romantic and beautiful landmarks of the metropolis. Completed in 1993, the bridge is almost 800 m long and 126 m high and its towers are designed to harmonize with the skyline of Tokyo. At night, the bridge glitters in different colors, using solar energy accumulated during the day.
6. The Navajo Bridge
Arizona. USA.
For almost 600 miles (970 km), the Navajo Bridge is the only roadway crossing of the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon apart from the Glen Canyon Bridge. The original bridge was completed in 1929. However, due to the heavy traffic, the local authorities decided to construct a new steel arch bridge that was opened in 1995.
7.The Coronado Bridge
San Diego. USA.
One of the most amazing bridges in California, the San Diego Coronado Bridge is a 3.4 km (2.1 mi) long part of State Route 75. Reaching a maximum height of 200 feet (61m), the span is tall enough to allow the U.S. Navy ships to pass underneath it. The construction of the bridge was commenced in 1967 and lasted two years.
8. The Tower Bridge
London. UK.
The icon of London, the Tower Bridge is an amazing bascule and suspension bridge over the River Thames. Completed at the end of the 19th century, the bridge still serves as a busy and vital crossing of the river. 40,000 people cross the bridge every day and its bascules rise around 1,000 times a year.
9. The Octavio Frias de Oliveira Bridge
São Paulo. Brazil.
Within two years since its opening in 2008, the Octavio bridge, has become one of the most recognizable and attractive landmarks of the city of São Paulo. The unusual form of the bridge deck of an "X" makes the construction appear as a very modern and sophisticated development. The Octavio is the only bridge in the world where two curved tracks are supported by a single mast.
10. The Pennybacker Bridge
Austin. USA.
The Pennybacker Bridge is a part of Loop 360 highway, considered one of the most scenic routes in Texas, winding through the hills of West Austin. The beautiful construction, more commonly known as the "360 Bridge", has a uniform weathered rust finish that blends in with the surrounding hills and the lake. The bridge was officially opened for traffic in 1982.
11. The Széchenyi Chain Bridge
Budapest. Hungary.
Linking Buda, the western part of the Hungarian capital, with Pest, the eastern part of the city, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge on the Danube River was the first permanent bridge across the river, opened in 1849. At the time of its construction, the bridge was considered a wonder of the world and a symbol of advancement. Today, it still impresses with its art deco design and grandeur.
12. Hangzhou Bay Bridge
Hangzhou Bay. China.
Connecting the municipalities of Jiaxing and Ningbo in China, the Hangzhou Bay Bridge, of 22 miles (35.6 km), is the longest trans-oceanic bridge in the world. This impressively long highway bridge was opened in May 2008. Thanks to the bridge's opening, the highway travel distance between Shanghai and Ningbo was reduced from 4 to 2.5 hours.
13. The Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco. USA.
A symbol of San Francisco and the USA, the Golden Gate Bridge is truly a beautiful piece of architecture. No wonder it was ranked fifth on the List of America's Favorite Architecture by the American Institute of Architects. Apparently, the striking orange color was originally used as a sealant, but the locals persuaded Irving Morrow, the designer of the bridge, to keep it vibrant orange instead of going grey or silver.
14. The Henderson Waves Bridge
Singapore
Running 36 meters above Henderson Road in Singapore, the Henderson Waves is the highest pedestrian-only bridge in the city, of a length of 274 meters (899 ft). It comes as no surprise that the absolutely extraordinary form of the wave-shape steel ribs that snake through the metropolis was awarded Design of the Year for the President's Design Award at the Singapore Design Week 2009.
15. Forth Railway Bridge
Scotland
The Forth Railway Bridge, connecting Fife council area with Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is the world's longest cantilever bridge for rail transport of a length of 2.5 km. (1.5 mile). Opened in 1890, it was the first bridge in Britain built entirely of steel and today it is still regarded as an engineering marvel.
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