The bridges They represent one of the wonders of the modern engineering. Not only do they serve to connect points separated by water, valleys or any other natural obstacle, but they are also testimony to the human ability to overcome impediments. Throughout the planet, there are structures that challenge the limits of physics and architecture, becoming symbols of progress and unity.
In the quest to connect increasingly distant places and improve transportation infrastructure, engineers and architects They designed bridges that surpass the limits of what is imaginable. These structures not only stand out for their length, but also for the complexity of their construction and his strategic importance for the regions they connect.
The list of the longest bridges in the world is constantly changing evolution, with new works that seek to surpass existing ones. Each of these giants has its own history, construction and unique characteristics that make them stand out in the field of civil engineering.
- Wuhan Metro Bridge (37.7 kilometers): Also known as the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge, it is a key infrastructure in the Chinese city, allowing the passage of both vehicles and the subway line.
- Lake Pontchartrain Causeway (38.4 kilometers): It is an impressive work of engineering that holds the record of being one of the longest bridges in the world. This rectilinear bridge connects the city of New Orleans, in the state of Louisiana, United States, with Mandeville, crossing Lake Pontchartrain. Inaugurated in 1956, it was expanded in 1969. Its construction managed to overcome various technical and environmental challenges to provide an effective and lasting solution to the connectivity needs of the area.
- Qingdao Bay Bridge (42.5 kilometers): is located in China, connects the city of Qingdao with the island of Huangdao, crossing Jiaozhou Bay and reducing the travel time between these two points from 40 minutes to just 20 minutes. Inaugurated in 2011, the bridge is not only a monumental technical achievement, given the complexity of its construction over water, but also plays a crucial role in fostering economic development and improving connectivity in the region.
- Beijing Grand Bridge (48.1 kilometers): It is an outstanding piece of railway infrastructure that is part of the train line belonging to the high-speed line that connects the important cities of Beijing and Shanghai. It was built between 2008 and 2010 and finally opened on June 30, 2011.
- Bang Na Expressway (54 kilometers): Also known as the Bang Na Bridge, it is an impressive elevated highway located in Thailand. Stretching across the outskirts of Bangkok, on National Highway 34, it was built to relieve traffic congestion in one of the busiest areas of the country. The Bang Na Expressway is not only notable for its extensive route, but also for its innovative design and the use of advanced technologies in its construction.
- Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (55 kilometers): It opened in 2018 and is a colossal structure that connects three of the most important regions in southern China: Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macau. It is notable for being the longest sea bridge in the world and an outstanding example of modern engineering. Designed to withstand earthquakes and typhoons, the bridge significantly facilitates transportation and trade between the three regions, reducing travel time from hours to minutes.
- Weinan Weihe Grand Viaduct (79.7 kilometers): Located in China, it is part of the high-speed train system and is known for being one of the longest viaducts in the world. It opened in 2008 and crosses the Weihe River, thus facilitating transit in one of the most densely populated areas of China.
- Tianjin Grand Bridge (113.7 kilometers): It is part of China’s high-speed railway network. It serves as a crucial rail link for passenger and freight transportation, improving connectivity between the northern and eastern regions of China.
- Cangde Grand Bridge (115.9 kilometers): built within China’s impressive high-speed rail infrastructure network. It is part of the railway line between Beijing and Guangzhou and was completed in 2010, representing one of the longest viaducts in the world.
- Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge (164.8 kilometers): It is the longest bridge in the world and is also part of the high-speed line between Beijing and Shanghai, China. Opened in 2011, this engineering marvel traverses a varied landscape that includes rivers, lakes, and rice fields between the cities of Danyang and Kunshan. It facilitates commerce and the movement of people in one of the most economically dynamic regions of the country. The Great Bridge symbolizes China’s efforts to lead in the field of transportation engineering, setting a precedent in the construction of large infrastructure works.
