12 Iconic Bridges That Are Engineering Marvels 2024

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Some seem to defy gravity, rise to unimaginable heights, and traverse difficult terrains. These iconic bridges are engineering marvels that offer tourists immense exploration opportunities. While they were built to serve as links between two points and enhance transportation, adventurers cannot help but admire the technical prowess involved in their construction and the scenery these bridges create.

From being considered impossible to construct to breaking world records upon completion and becoming remarkable landmarks in their countries, these bridges are excellent destinations for engineering, architectural enthusiasts, and any avid explorer.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, USA

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Undoubtedly, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most outstanding engineering works of the 20th century. Spanning the Golden Gate Strait, The Golden Bridge connects San Francisco Bay to Marin County. The grandeur of the Golden Gate Bridge is a sight to behold. The Bridge is 1.7 miles (2.74 kilometers) long. Two of its main towers rise approximately 746 feet above the water level.

At its completion and opening, the Golden Gate Bridge was the world’s tallest and longest suspension bridge. Even more outstanding are the challenges in building it. Before the engineers got to work, it was thought that building the bridge was mission impossible because the strait is home to powerful winds, earthquakes, and constant fog.

The Golden Gate Bridge is now a haven for photographers and adventurers alike. You can walk or drive across it or find viewpoints to capture fantastic shots.

Brooklyn Bridge, New York City, USA

You can never discuss New York’s impressive skyline without mentioning the Brooklyn Bridge. Completed and opened in 1883, this cable-stayed/ suspension bridge was an engineering feat of its time that continues to impress tourists over a century later. It was the first steel-wire suspension bridge in the world and the longest at the time of its construction.

The Brooklyn Bridge stretches 1,595 feet (486 meters) across the East River, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn Boroughs.

While it is an engineering feat that will go down in history, you do not want to overlook the bridge’s scenery. The massive granite towers, steel cables, distinctive gothic arches, and skyline views are some of the greatest ways to experience New York’s architectural scene.

Tower Bridge, London, UK

If you are into the allure of Victorian engineering, visiting and exploring The Tower Bridge is one thing you should add to your bucket list. This bridge stretches 800 feet (244 meters) over the Thames River, with its bascules (commonly called the Twin Towers) rising 200 feet (61 meters) over the Thames. The bascule mechanism, which allows the Bridge to be raised and lowered for larger vessels to pass, was an engineering marvel of its time.

The bridge is famous for its Gothic Revival style, which features detailed Victorian features such as turrets, arches, and decorative elements. While The Tower Bridge is an impeccable sight on its own, it is also a great platform to view some of the must-sees in London. It offers unbeatable views of the River Thames, The Tower of London, and London’s skyline.

Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, Kobe, Japan

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge stretches over the Akashi Strait, connecting the city of Kobe with Awaji Island. Its main span measures an impressive 6,532 feet (1,991 meters), making it one of the bridges with the longest central spans in the world.

The bridge has three, with the tallest rising to approximately 978 feet (298 meters) above sea level. This bridge was built to withstand strong winds, tidal forces, and earthquakes typical of this region.

The bridge offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, the city of Kobe, and Awaji Island.

Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney, Australia

Sydney Harbour Bridge is a steel arch bridge connecting the Sydney central business district with the North Shore. It measures 3,770 feet (1,149 meters) long, making it one of the longest arch bridges in the world. The bridge has eight road lanes, two railway tracks, and pedestrian walkways on both sides.

Admire the building’s iconic arches, which rise majestically above the Sydney Harbor, providing a dramatic silhouette against the Sydney skyline. Go beyond the massive structure and take a keen interest in the small but exciting details, such as the granite towers and the Art Deco features. The bridge also offers stunning views of the magnificent Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbor, and the surrounding cityscape.

Millau Viaduct,Millau, France

Iconic Bridges Millau Viaduct — © BearFotos / Shutterstock

Standing at an impressive 1125 feet (343 meters), the Millau Viaduct is the tallest bridge in the world. This fact alone makes It a strong contender for one of the most outstanding engineering achievements of the 21st century.

Besides, it was worked on by one of the greatest architects of our time, Norman Foster, a Pritzker Prize Winner (similar to a Nobel Prize for Architecture), and Virlogeux, a civil engineer behind the construction of over 100 bridges. Any engineering or architectural enthusiast who likes to get into detail would want to visit it just to marvel at a work that brought together two of the greatest in the industry.

Millau Viaduct will be your thing if you enjoy contemporary and minimalistic engineering designs.

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Rialto Bridge Venice, Italy

One of the must-sees in Venice, Rialto Bridge is a beautiful stone arch bridge known for its graceful arches and elegant Renaissance design. The bridge connects the San Polo and San Marco districts of Venice.

The construction of the Rialto Bridge happened between 1588 and 1591, making it an amazing landmark for anyone fascinated by Renaissance architecture. To better experience its charm, take a gondola ride from the bridge or go shopping at the stalls on the bridge.

Duge Bridge, China

Located in Guizhou Province of China, Duge is a cable-stayed bridge featuring a tower and a deck that spans the Beipan River Gorge. The bridge’s modern and sleek design makes it easy to imagine the unmatched engineering prowess that went into constructing it.

The Duge Bridge is 4,400 feet (1,341 meters) long. However, what is more impressive is its suspended height. It stands 1,854 feet (565 meters) above the Beipan River, making it the highest Bridge in the world.

Forth Bridge, Scotland

Just nine miles out of Edinburgh is Forth Bridge, which spans the Firth of Forth and connects the towns of South Queensferry and North Queensferry. The diamond-shaped towers and red-painted steelwork make the bridge both elegant and functional. At its completion in 1890, the 2,528.7 meters (8,296 feet) long Bridge held the record for the longest single cantilever bridge span in the world.

This Victorian-era bridge is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its historical significance, aesthetic, and place in Scotland’s tourism industry.

Pont du Quebec, Quebec, Canada

Pont du Québec traverses the St. Lawrence River, connecting Quebec City with Lévis. Despite collapsing twice during construction, it is an engineering masterpiece whose records have not been broken in over a century. Measuring 3,238 feet (987 meters) long, it has been the longest cantilever bridge in the world since 1917.

To capture the best shots of Pont du Quebec, stand on the Samuel-De Champlain Promenade. You can also cycle across the bridge to Levis; it is one of the best ways to enjoy unmatched views of Quebec City.

Zhivopisny Bridge Moscow, Russia

Zhivopisny Bridge crosses the Moscow River, connecting the districts of Khoroshevo-Mnevniki and Strogino. This cable-stayed bridge stands out for its asymmetric design, featuring a single tower from which the supporting cables fan out.

Zhivopisny Bridge is a sight to behold during the day, but at night, the light illumination makes the scenery even more magical. When visiting, ensure to experience its beauty both during the day and at night.

Jiashao Bridge, China

Jiashao Bridge spans Hangzhou Bay, connecting the cities of Jiaxing and Shaoxing in Zhejiang Province, China. Jiashao is a cable-stayed bridge supported by six towers that rise 744 feet (227 meters) from the water’s surface. The 6.3-mile (10.1-kilometer) long bridge features a two-way, eight-lane expressway, a feat that significantly reduced traffic congestion in the region.

Besides its size and functionality, Jiashao Bridge is considered an engineering feat because it was successfully constructed over Hangzhou Bay, which is known to have some of the strongest tidal rivers in the world. Jiashao Bridge offers fantastic views of the Hangzhou Bridge and the surrounding coastal landscape.