Bridges Through Time: A Look at the Longest Bridges in the World
Since ancient times, humans have been building bridges to traverse waterways and valleys, significantly reducing travel distances and times. This article explores some of the longest bridges in the world today, most of which are located in China.
The 10 Longest Bridges in the World
1. Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge, China (164,800 Meters)
The Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge, part of the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway, holds the title of the longest bridge in the world. Stretching a staggering 164,800 meters (about 102.4 miles), this engineering marvel took four years and the efforts of 10,000 workers to complete. Construction finished in 2010, and the bridge opened for railway service in 2011, earning a spot in the Guinness World Records the same year.
2. Changhua-Koahsiung Viaduct, Taiwan (157,317 Meters)
The Changhua-Koahsiung Viaduct, spanning 157,317 meters, is the second longest bridge globally. It is a vital part of Taiwan’s high-speed railway system along the island’s west coast. The viaduct began service in January 2007, and by December 2012, it had already transported over 200 million passengers.
3. Cangde Grand Bridge, China (115,900 Meters)
Another segment of the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway, the Cangde Grand Bridge extends for 115,900 meters (approximately 72 miles). Constructed with significant reinforcements, it is designed to withstand seismic activities, showcasing the advanced engineering capabilities of modern bridge construction.
4. Tianjin Grand Bridge, China (113,700 Meters)
The Tianjin Grand Bridge spans 113,700 meters (70.6 miles) and is a crucial part of China’s extensive railway network. Once recognized as the world’s second longest bridge, it remains a testament to China’s rapid infrastructure development.
5. Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge, China (79,732 Meters)
At 79,732 meters (49.5 miles), the Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge is part of the Zhengzhou–Xi’an High-Speed Railway. Upon its completion in 2008, it was the longest bridge in the world, but it has since been surpassed by newer, longer structures.
6. Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, China (54,717 Meters)
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, which opened in October 2018, connects Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macau across the Lingding and Jiuzhou channels. This bridge, which includes three cable-stayed bridges and an undersea tunnel, stretches 54,717 meters and is the longest sea crossing globally.
7. Bang Na Expressway, Thailand (54,000 Meters)
The Bang Na Expressway in Thailand, measuring 54,000 meters (33.6 miles), was the world’s longest bridge before 2010. Unlike most bridges, it primarily serves as an elevated highway rather than crossing significant bodies of water, with the exception of a river crossing at one point.
8. Beijing Grand Bridge, China (48,153 Meters)
Part of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway, the Beijing Grand Bridge extends 48,153 meters (about 30 miles). It has been operational for high-speed rail since 2011, highlighting China’s continued advancements in rail infrastructure.
9. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, United States (38,442 Meters)
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, often referred to as “the Causeway,” spans 38,442 meters (23.9 miles) across Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana. Opened in 1956, it is the longest bridge in the United States and a vital link between New Orleans and its suburbs, replacing the former ferry route.
10. Line 1, Wuhan Metro Bridge, China (37,788 Meters)
The Wuhan Metro Bridge, which encompasses the entire Line 1 of the Wuhan metro system, measures 37,788 meters (23.5 miles). Completed in 2004, it is a critical piece of Wuhan’s urban transit infrastructure.
The Ever-Changing Landscape of Bridge Construction
Bridges have always been essential for connecting different terrains and communities, facilitating trade and travel for thousands of years. As engineering techniques advance and ambitions grow, it will be fascinating to see how this list evolves with the construction of even longer and more impressive bridges in the future.
