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Biggest Top Ten Longest Bridges across the World
In this comprehensive breakdown, we present the “Top 10 Longest Bridges in the World,” showcasing engineering marvels that transcend the boundaries of conventional categorization, spanning vast distances to connect cities and regions.
1. Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge
• Length: 164.8 km (540,700 ft)
• Completed: 2010
• Type: High-speed rail
• Country: China
The Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge holds the title of the world’s longest bridge, stretching a staggering 164.8 kilometers. Integral to the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway, it cost approximately $8.5 billion to construct. This engineering masterpiece is designed to withstand seismic activity, extreme weather, and even collisions from large naval vessels.
2. Changhua–Kaohsiung Viaduct
• Length: 157.3 km (516,132 ft)
• Completed: 2004
• Type: High-speed rail
• Country: Taiwan
The Changhua–Kaohsiung Viaduct is Taiwan’s pride and the second longest bridge globally. It forms a critical part of the Taiwan High-Speed Rail network and has safely transported over 200 million passengers since 2004. Engineered for earthquake resistance, it ensures passenger safety during seismic events.
3. Tianjin Grand Bridge
• Length: 113.7 km (373,000 ft)
• Completed: 2010
• Type: High-speed rail
• Country: China
Known as the Langfang–Qingxian Viaduct, the Tianjin Grand Bridge extends over 113.7 kilometers. It’s a key link within the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway, reducing the need for numerous individual crossings and showcasing 32-meter-long box girders, each weighing 860 tons.
4. Cangde Grand Bridge
• Length: 105.9 km (347,379 ft)
• Completed: 2010
• Type: High-speed rail
• Country: China
Part of the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway, the Cangde Grand Bridge spans 105.9 kilometers, supported by 3,092 piers. Completed in 2010, it is engineered to withstand seismic activity and ranks as the fourth longest bridge in the world.
5. Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge
• Length: 79.7 km (261,588 ft)
• Completed: 2008
• Type: High-speed rail
• Country: China
The Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge, a segment of the Zhengzhou–Xi’an High-Speed Railway, spans 79.7 kilometers. Upon its completion in 2008, it was the longest bridge in the world. It gracefully crosses the Wei River twice and numerous other waterways and infrastructure.
6. Bang Na Expressway
• Length: 54 km (177,000 ft)
• Completed: 2000
• Type: Expressway
• Country: Thailand
The Bang Na Expressway, also known as the Burapha Withi Expressway, is a testament to Thai engineering prowess. Completed in 2000, this six-lane elevated highway required 1.8 million cubic meters of concrete and held the title of the world’s longest bridge until 2008.
7. Beijing Grand Bridge
• Length: 48.2 km (157,982 ft)
• Completed: 2010
• Type: High-speed rail
• Country: China
The Beijing Grand Bridge is a remarkable railway viaduct within the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway network. China’s infrastructure is highlighted by its impressive number of road bridges, totaling 961,100 as of 2021.
8. Metro Manila Skyway System
• Length: 39.2 km (128,600 ft)
• Completed: 2021
• Type: Expressway
• Country: Philippines
The Metro Manila Skyway, known as the Metro Manila Skyway System (MMSS), is a vital expressway in the Philippines. Spanning 39.2 kilometers, it connects the North and South Luzon Expressways and provides access to Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
9. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
• Length: 38.4 km (126,122 ft)
• Completed: 1956
• Type: Highway
• Country: United States
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, affectionately known as ‘The Causeway,’ features parallel twin bridges supported by 9,500 concrete pilings. This iconic structure offers spine-tingling views, especially where the land disappears at its midpoint.
10. Wuhan Metro Bridge
• Length: 37.8 km (123,976 ft)
• Completed: 2009
• Type: Metro
• Country: China
The Wuhan Metro Bridge, part of Wuhan’s elevated metro line, is the world’s longest continuous metro viaduct. Initially planned to cross the Yangtze via the Second Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge, it underwent revisions during the bridge’s renovation, significantly enhancing Wuhan’s urban connectivity.
These bridges are more than just functional structures; they are symbols of human ingenuity, connecting regions and people while standing as testaments to the incredible advancements in engineering and construction.
