10 Longest Bridges in the World

Just about everyone has crossed a bridge at some point, but most of them aren’t as massive as the behemoths we’re going to learn about today! Footbridges are a great way to cross smaller rivers and streams, but much larger structures are necessary to allow for the passage of larger vehicles such as cars, trucks, and trains.

So, just how long can some of the biggest bridges in the world get? Today we’ll be learning about the 10 longest bridges in the world and ranking them according to how many feet long they are. We’ll also learn some cool facts about the structures and locations of each one.

10. Manchac Swamp Bridge

  Source: wikimedia.org

The Manchac Swamp Bridge is the longest bridge on the US Interstate system and one of the longest toll-free bridges in the world. The bridge enables U.S. Route 51 and Interstate 55 to cross the Manchac Swamp and makes up approximately an entire third of the interstate’s stretch through the state of Louisiana.

Did you know? 

This bridge passes over the same swamp that’s rumored to be haunted by the Rougarou, a Cajun werewolf, as well as a voodoo princess who cursed the surrounding area.

9. Line 1, Wuhan Metro Bridge

  Source: wikimedia.org

Wuhan Metro’s Line 1 is the longest continuous metro viaduct worldwide! When it was built, it made Wuhan the fifth city in mainland China to have a fully-functioning metro system. Wuhan is also home to the beautiful and famous Yellow Crane Tower, which is five stories high and serves as an iconic symbol of the city.

Did you know? 

Line 1 of the Wuhan Metro was previously and incorrectly referred to as a light rail since it’s elevated.

8. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

  Source: wikimedia.org

The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway actually used to hold first place as the longest bridge over water ever built, and currently remains open to two lanes each of northbound and southbound traffic. The massive bridge structures that make up the Causeway are supported by an astounding 9,500 concrete pilings and features seven crossovers to provide emergency and maintenance vehicles with easier passage.

Did you know? 

More than 30,000 vehicles pass over the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway on an average day!

7. Beijing Grand Bridge

  Source: wikimedia.org

The Beijing Grand Bridge is a key part of the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway system, which links the two cities to provide arguably the most valuable transit connection in China in just around five hours. The bullet train that utilizes the Beijing Grand Bridge travels at speeds between 155mph and 185mph and offers different options for passengers depending on the number of stops they need.

Did you know? 

The Beijing–Shanghai high-speed railway is also known as the Jinghu high-speed railway.

6. Bang Na Expressway

  Source: wikimedia.org

The Bang Na Expressway is more formally called the Burapha Withi Expressway and is six lanes wide. This $1 billion elevated expressway was the longest bridge in the world when it was constructed, as well as the largest precast concrete project to have been carried out. The idea for the expressway was originally formulated by the Expressway and Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand and required 1,800,000 cubic meters of concrete!

Did you know? 

The Bang Na Expressway was designed by the late American civil engineer Louis Berger.

5. Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge

  Source: wikimedia.org

The Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge makes up a portion of the Zhengzhou–Xi’an High-Speed Railway. The bridge itself was actually completed two years before the rest of the railway line opened in 2010. This bridge is so long that, on top of passing over countless highways, small rivers, and other railways, it also crosses the majestic Wei River twice!

Did you know? 

The Wei River is the largest tributary river to the iconic Yellow River, which is the second-longest of all rivers in China.

4. Tianjin Grand Bridge

  Source: wikimedia.org

The Tianjin Grand Bridge serves to connect Langfang and Qingxian as part of the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway. It was built as one continuous bridge on an elevated track in order to shorten the construction process and provide a more streamlined alternative to numerous smaller, individual bridges. Many of the massive components for this bridge were pre-assembled and then installed using special cranes.

Did you know? 

An elevated bridge with a railway takes up significantly less construction area than a railway embankment at ground level, which is another reason for the construction of the Tianjin Grand Bridge.

3. Cangde Grand Bridge

  Source: wikimedia.org

The Cangde Grand Bridge is another elevated component of the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway. It was built specifically with the ability to withstand earthquakes in mind. The bridge is supported by an astounding 3,092 piers in order to provide it with the structural stability it needs to stay intact despite any tectonic shifting and destructive forces.

Did you know? 

The Cangde Grand Bridge also crosses the Wei River and several other, smaller rivers.

2. Changhua–Kaohsiung Viaduct

  Source: wikimedia.org

This incredible viaduct functions as part of the Taiwan High Speed Rail system. Similarly to the Cangde Grand Bridge, the Changhua–Kaohsiung Viaduct was built to withstand the destructive forces of any seismic activity that might occur in the area. The bridge is built so that trains can easily stop to wait out any earthquakes and to allow for easy repairs in case of damage.

Did you know? 

Taiwan’s impressive railway system has inspired people in other parts of the world to question why they can’t seem to manage similar transit systems of their own.

1. Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge

  Source: wikimedia.org

The Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge is the longest bridge in the world. It is officially verified by the Guinness Book of World Records, and it boasts a considerable height as well at an average of 100 feet above the ground! The bridge runs parallel to the Yangtze River, and the greater portion of it is located in the river valley.

Did you know? 

The Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge was specifically built as a viaduct because building such a large structure in a river valley presented fewer terrain challenges