Bridges are remarkable symbols of human ingenuity, connecting places, people, and cultures across great distances. They traverse rivers, mountains, and even seas, showcasing some of the most impressive engineering achievements in modern history. Here, we explore the longest bridges in the world, each a testament to the skill and ambition of engineers, builders, and visionaries who brought these projects to life.
Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge – China
Length: 164.8 kilometers (102.4 miles)
The Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge, part of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway, is the longest bridge in the world. Spanning almost 165 kilometers across eastern China’s lowland and river areas, this viaduct was completed in 2010 and designed to withstand extreme weather, including typhoons and earthquakes.
Changhua-Kaohsiung Viaduct – Taiwan
Length: 157.3 kilometers (97.7 miles)
This bridge is the second-longest globally and part of Taiwan’s high-speed rail network. Opened in 2007, the Changhua-Kaohsiung Viaduct provides safe, quick transportation across Taiwan’s western corridor, improving access between cities and alleviating congestion along the country’s main routes.
Cangde Grand Bridge – China
Length: 115.9 kilometers (72 miles)
Another feat of Chinese engineering, the Cangde Grand Bridge is part of the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway. Its robust design supports the railway’s high-speed demands and offers earthquake resistance. The bridge connects bustling urban centers, providing millions of passengers with reliable, efficient transportation.
Tianjin Grand Bridge – China
Length: 113.7 kilometers (70.6 miles)
Also part of China’s Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway, the Tianjin Grand Bridge links Langfang and Qingxian in Tianjin. Opened in 2010, this bridge has significantly reduced travel time between major cities, allowing trains to pass at high speeds safely over long distances.
Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge – China
Length: 79.7 kilometers (49.5 miles)
The Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge crosses the Weihe River and stretches across extensive areas in China’s Shaanxi Province. It was completed in 2008 as part of the Zhengzhou–Xi’an high-speed railway. The bridge’s design accounts for the challenges of frequent river flooding, ensuring its durability over time.
Bang Na Expressway – Thailand
Length: 54 kilometers (33.6 miles)
Unlike many other long bridges, the Bang Na Expressway is an elevated highway rather than a railway. Located in Thailand, this six-lane bridge provides an efficient way to bypass Bangkok’s notorious traffic congestion. Constructed entirely above ground, it is considered one of the longest road bridges in the world.
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway – USA
Length: 38.4 kilometers (23.9 miles)
Spanning Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana, this bridge is the longest continuous bridge over water in the world. Completed in 1969, the bridge has served as a vital connection between New Orleans and the town of Mandeville. Its twin spans ensure safe passage over the lake, even during hurricane season.
Jiaozhou Bay Bridge – China
Length: 42.5 kilometers (26.4 miles)
The Jiaozhou Bay Bridge, opened in 2011, connects the city of Qingdao with the Huangdao district, greatly reducing travel time across the bay. Designed to withstand extreme maritime conditions, it offers an essential link between urban and industrial areas, improving regional connectivity.
Manchac Swamp Bridge – USA
Length: 36.7 kilometers (22.8 miles)
Located in Louisiana, the Manchac Swamp Bridge is an elevated highway bridge and one of the longest in the United States. The bridge provides safe travel over swampland, reducing the risk of accidents from wildlife crossings and wetland conditions.
Bridges like these are marvels of engineering and design, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in infrastructure. They are not just functional but represent the unity of design, planning, and human resilience. Each of these bridges has a story of determination and vision, connecting people and places in ways once thought unimaginable. Whether you’re crossing the vast expanse of China’s countryside or the tranquil waters of Louisiana’s lakes, these longest bridges in the world continue to inspire awe and respect for human innovation.
This article highlights some of the world’s longest bridges, celebrating their incredible lengths and essential roles in global infrastructure. These magnificent structures underscore the feats that are possible when human ingenuity and determination come together.
