Ever wondered which are the top ten longest bridges on Earth? Bridges are generally used as a crossing point from one end to another, either on land or sea. In other occasions, these bridges are an inspiration to what humanity is capable of, and to what extent. That is why we are sharing this list of our ten longest bridges on Earth and the most inspiring ones.
1. Danyang-Kunshan Bridge- China
Considered the longest bridge on Earth, the Danyang-Kunshan bridge was completed in 2011 and opened for operations in 2011. Ever since the bridge has held the record for the world’s longest bridge. It runs between Shanghai and Nanjing in the Jiangsu province. This remarkable structure is an astounding 102 miles long. It carries the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed Railway across the Yangtze River delta, from Danyang to Kunshan. The bridge took four years to construct and cost approximately between $8.5Bn and $10Bn. It also required more than 10,000 construction workers to get the job done in those four years. Furthermore, the bridge has a stunning view and compliments the natural aesthetics of the land it runs over.
2. Changhua-Kaohsiung Bridge- China
Surpassed by the Danyang-Kunshan Bridge in 2010, the Changhua-Kaohsiung Viaduct is the second-longest bridge on Earth. It was completed in 2007 and held the record for being the longest for three years. The bridge is mandated with the task of carrying part of the Taiwan high-speed rail network. This astounding structure extends close to 98 miles from Banguashan in Changhua to Zuoying in Kaohsiung. The structure is deemed as one that is truly unique as one of the bridge’s series are made to be earthquake resistant. This allows for trains to stop safely during seismic events. The design of the bridge also limits damage to the viaduct. This facilitates quick repairs on it even after an earthquake.
3. Tianjin Grand Bridge- China
Over 70 miles long, the Tianjin Grand Bridge holds the record for the third-longest bridge on Earth. Carrying the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway, it runs between Langfang and Qingxian. Construction of this bridge took four years to complete as it started in 2006, and ended in 2010. Some aspects make the Tianjin Bridge unique, one of which is its design. The bridge consists of a series of box griders, each 100 feet long and weighing 860 tons. These griders are made in two workplaces along the bridge route, and placed in piers that were already in place.
4. Cangde Grand Bridge- China
The Cangde Grand Bridge ranks fourth in our top ten longest bridges on Earth. The bridge is approximately 66 miles long and is constructed with a total of 3,092 piers. The series of bridges that carry the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway line cut travel time across Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland China from three hours to thirty minutes. The bridge is the third on our top ten longest bridges on Earth list that’s part of the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed Railway.
5. Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge- China
With China dominating the top five list, the Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge in China makes it to number five in our top ten longest bridges. The bridge is part of the Zhengzhou-Xian high-speed railway, it is just under 50 miles long. This makes it highly unusual because it crosses the Wei River twice, along with several other rivers. This includes the Shi Di River and the Luofu River. It held the record for the longest bridge in the world when it was completed in 2008, and opened in 2010. The bridge is a feat of construction marvel, requiring about 10,000 workers to complete the bridge. It also required 2.3 million cubic meters of concrete and 45,000 tons of steel to facilitate its construction.
6. Bang Na Expressway Bridge- Thailand
Located in Thailand, the Bang Na Expressway bridge is the longest automotive bridge in the world. It is also the sixth longest bridge on our top ten longest bridges on Earth. The Bang Na Expressway bridge is just over 34 miles in length having been completed in the early 2000s. It is one of the few longest bridges on Earth that does not cross a large water mass. The bridge only passes over the Bang Pakong River for a short distance. It encompasses a six-lane elevated highway above another one.
7. Beijing Grand Bridge- China
Connecting two global business hubs of Beijing and Shanghai, the Beijing Grand Bridge is the seventh longest bridge on Earth. It is also the fourth bridge that harbors the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed Railway. The bridge is just under 30 miles long, having been completed in 2010, and officially opened to rail traffic in 2011.
8. Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge- United States of America
Shifting continents to North America, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway bridge is the eighth-longest bridge on Earth. It is also the longest bridge in the United States and the longest bridge that runs continuously over water in the world. The design of the causeway bridge makes it consists of two parallel bridges crossing Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. One of the two bridges is close to 24 miles in length. Furthermore, one of these bridges was completed in 1956 when traffic increased, another one was constructed. It was opened for traffic in 1969 after construction was completed within the same year. The structure and stability of the causeway have enabled it to survive many hurricanes over the years.
9. Wuhan’s Metro Line 1- China
Wuhan’s Metro Line 1 takes a spot on the top ten longest bridges on Earth at number nine of the list. Though not a bridge in the traditional sense, it is the world’s longest continuous metro system bridge. It is close to 24 miles in length and has 32 stations along its route. Line 1 carries an elevated light rail line through Wuhan. Undergoing renovations in 2003, the rail opened in 1995.
10. Manchac Swamp Bridge- United States of America
Closing our top ten list of longest bridges on Earth at number ten is the Manchac Swamp Bridge in the United States. The bridge is a twin concrete trestle structure located in the Lake Pontchartrain area in Louisiana. With a distance of almost 23 miles long, it is one of the longest bridges on earth ever built on water. It is also the longest bridge on the United States Interstate Highway System. It was opened to traffic in 1979 with piles having to be driven more than 250 feet below a swamp to construct it. It cost $7 million per mile to complete it at the time.
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