Suspension bridges are remarkable feats of engineering, characterized by their long spans, commanding towers, and complex designs. Of course these bridges serve as critical transportation links, but they also stand as symbols of human ingenuity and connection. In this article, we will discuss six of the most stunning suspension bridges in the world, highlighting some of their significant design facts and histories.
Great Belt Bridge (East Bridge), Denmark
Length: 22,277 feet (6,790 meters )
Longest Span: 5,328 feet (1,623 meters)
Opened: 1998
Location: Great Belt, Denmark
The East Bridge of the Great Belt Fixed Link, commonly referred to as the Great Belt Bridge, is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. It connects the Danish islands Zealand and Funen.
Construction and Design
At the time of its construction, the Great Belt Bridge was the largest construction project in Denmark’s history. There were several significant engineering challenges involved, which caused several delays and cost overruns, but the bridge was eventually opened to traffic on June 14th, 1998.
The bridge features a main span of 5,328 feet, and is supported by two, 833 foot (253m) towers. The bridge is composed of two separate bridges for both rail and vehicle traffic.
Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, United States
Length: 13,700 feet (4,176 meters)
Longest Span: 4,260 ft (1,298 meters)
Opened: 1964
Location: New York City, New York, USA
The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the United States and connects the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Staten Island. The Bridge crosses the body of water where the Hudson River empties into the Atlantic Ocean, known as the Narrows.
Construction and Design:
When The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge was completed, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world, and held that title for 17 years. Each of its 692 foot (211m) supporting towers contain three times as much metal than was used in the Empire State Building. The bridge’s longest span is just over ¾ of a mile long, at 4,260 ft (1,298m)
Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, Japan
Length: 12,831 feet (3,911 meters)
Longest Span: 6,532 feet (1,990 meters)
Opened: 1998
Location: Kobe to Awaji Island, Japan
Straddling the Akashi Strait between the city of Kobe and the Island of Awaji in Japan is the The Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, the second longest suspension bridge in the world. The bridge first opened in 1998 and held the record for longest suspension bridge in the world until 2022.
Construction and Design:
The construction of the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge took 10 years to complete, but was finished on time and opened for vehicle traffic on April 5th, 1998. The bridge features a main span of 6,532 feet (1,991m), and is supported by two underwater piers and two 977 foot (298m) supporting towers. There are also 2 smaller spans that are 3,150 feet each.
Yangsigang Yangtze River Bridge
Length: 5,577 feet (1,700 meters)
Longest Span: 5,577 feet (1,700 meters)
Opened: 2019
Location: Wuhan, Hubei, China
In Wuhan, China stands the Yangsigang Yangtze River Bridge, the third longest suspension bridge on earth. The bridge spans across the Yangtze river, connecting the Wuhan districts of Hanyang and Wuchang.
Construction and Design:
Completed in 2019 and constructed in only 4 years, the Yangsigang Yangtze River Bridge is composed of two decks. The upper deck connects motorists to the expressway network, while the lower deck connects them to the streets of Wuhan. Its longest span is just over a mile long, at 5,577 ft (1,490m).
Golden Gate Bridge, United States
Length: 8,980 feet (2,737 meters)
Longest Span: 4200 feet (1,280 meters)
Opened: 1937
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is the second largest suspension bridge in the US, spanning the Golden Gate strait across San Francisco Bay to connect the city of San Francisco with Marin County, California.
Construction and Design:
Although completed ahead of schedule, the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge was marked by several accidents, including one that killed ten construction workers after a section of scaffolding fell through the safety net. It saw its first traffic on May 27th, 1934.
The Golden Gate Bridge’s total length is 8,981 feet, with its longest span coming to 4,200 feet. Its two 746 foot (227m) supporting towers made it the tallest suspension bridge in the world for nearly 60 years, until it was surpassed by the Mezcala Bridge in Mexico in 1993.
Humber Bridge, United Kingdom
Length: 7,283 feet (2,220 meters)
Longest Span: 4,630 feet (1,411 meter)
Opened: 1981
Location: East Riding of Yorkshire, England
The largest suspension bridge in the UK is Humber Bridge located near Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. The bridge crosses the Humber estuary to connect the East Riding of Yorkshire to North Lincolnshire.
Construction and Design:
The Bridge opened officially on July 17th 1981, and held the longest suspension bridge in the world title until 1998 with its longest span coming in at 4,630 feet. The bridge’s 510 foot(155m) supporting towers make it visible to distant towns, and even off the coast of the North Sea.
Each of the bridges featured on this list have played a crucial role in enhancing the connectivity, economic growth, and quality of life in the regions they represent. As engineering techniques continue to advance, we should hope to expect even more impressive structures to emerge, and to further push the boundaries of human possibilities.
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