There is something about the world’s longest bridges that seems to inspire thoughts, memories, and emotion. Wondrous, majestic, and awe-inspiring, some of the world’s most famous bridges stand as historic landmarks in their own right, serving a purpose well beyond the function for which they were originally intended. Perhaps it is because they bridge previously unconnected places, and make it possible to move from one place to another. In any case, the bridges offer a promise for adventure and possibilities that wouldn’t have otherwise been were it not for its existence.
Like all bridges, the longest bridges of the world were built primarily to facilitate travel. However, some bridges transcend this basic function and serve as notable historical and architectural structures. Some bridges are more notable than others because of their sheer lengths and spans. Building a long yet strong bridge is a challenge and wanting it to be up there in a list of world’s longest bridges built by man is truly a dream come true. Architectural marvels in their own rights, these top 10 longest bridges in the world are some of the most noteworthy structures of their kind and they will surely be remembered long after they have been surpassed as the world’s highest bridges.
10
Runyang Bridge
Many of the longest bridges in the world are found in China and this particular one is the first to appear in this list. The Runyang Bridge measures 35,660 meters or 116,990 feet in length, spanning 1,490 meters in width. This bridge was completed in 2005 and was made open to public transportation.
9
Hangzhou Bay Bridge
This bridge in China was built over the Hangzhou Bay, connecting the cities of Ningbo and Jianxing. The bridge was completed in 2007 and measures 35,673 meters in length.
8
Yangcun Bridge
Also found in China, this bridge was not designed to be a road but instead, a high speed rail system. It is an intercity rail that connects Beijing to Tianjin. It measures 35,812 meters or 117,293 feet in length.
7
Manchac Swamp Bridge
Two of the longest bridges in the United States made it to the list of the longest bridges of the world. Manchac is one of the two and it runs the length of 36,710 meters or 120,440 feet. Used as a road, this bridge in Louisiana carries Interstate 55.
6
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
The Guiness Book of Records hailed this bridge as the longest continuous bridge over water. Built in 1969, this road bridge located in the USA can also be found in the state of Louisiana.
5
Beijing Grand Bridge
The Beijing Grand Bridge is not really a bridge but a high speed rail system. It connects Beijing to Shanghai, thus making it easier for people to travel between the two cities by train.
4
Bang Na Expressway
Located in Thailand, this bridge currently holds the distinction of being the longest road bridge in the world. And it has held that title since its opening in 2000. This one measures 54,000 meters or 177,000 feet in length.
3
Weinam Weihe Bridge
Do note that the top 3 longest bridges are located in China, with all of them high speed rail system. The Weinambridge connects Zhengzhou to Xi’an. It measures 79,732 meters or 281,588 feet in length.
2
Tianjin Bridge
This high speed rail bridge connects Beijing to Shanghai. Being second longest, it is quite lengthy at 113,700 meters or 373,000 feet. This bridge was completed in 2010.
1
Danyang Kunshan Bridge
Topping the list is relatively a new bridge, as theDanyangKunshanBridge was completed only in 2010. It currently is the longest bridge in the world, according to the Guiness Book of World Records. It measures 164,800 meters or 540,700 feet. The bridge also connects Beijing to Shanghai via a high speed railway system.