5 Amazing World Bridges
There are some truly amazing bridges that are incredible feats of engineering and design. We can but marvel at how many of them were ever constructed. Let’s take a look at five of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
The Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is internationally regarded as an iconic symbol of San Francisco and California. The American Society of Civil Engineers have called it one of the Wonders of the Modern World, and it is arguably the most photographed and easily recognizable bridge anywhere on the planet. Think of American bridges and this bridge will spring to mind. Opened originally in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge had the longest main span of 4,200 ft (1,289 m) for a suspension bridge anywhere in the world until 1964 when it was beaten by the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in New York with 4,260 ft (1,298 m).
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney Harbor Bridge has been given the nickname “The Coathanger” for rather obvious reasons. Views of Sydney Opera House, the harbor and Sydney Harbor Bridge are iconic images associated with Australia today. It opened in 1932 and immediately became an engineer
ing achievement Australia could be proud of. It is the sixth longest spanning-arch bridge in the world.
There are many more spectacular bridges to be seen around the world and all of them show what can be achieved by bridge builders who have the skills in design, engineering and construction to create these wonders.
Gateshead Millennium Bridge
Gateshead Millennium Bridge is also known as the “Winking Eye Bridge” and the “Blinking Eye Bridge” due to its very unusual shape and its way of tilting. This very visually unusual bridge links Gateshead with Newcastle-upon-Tyne. It is also unusual from a structural and mechanical point of view too because it is the first bridge to pivot on four self-aligning and greaseless bearings. It employs both fixed and floating bearings on either side of the River Tyne.
Vasco da Gama Bridge
The Vasco da Gama Bridge in Portugal spans the Tagus River and at 12.3 km is the longest bridge in all of Europe. With six road lanes and flanked by viaducts, this incredible bridge is named after the famous Portuguese explorer. It was opened in March 1998 just in time for Expo 98. Portugal is rightly proud of this amazing bridge that is on the “must-see” list for all visitors to the country.
Tower Bridge
London’s Tower Bridge is one of the most famous sights of the UK capital. This iconic bridge combines a bascule with a suspension bridge. It gets its name from its proximity to the Tower of London, and it was first opened back in 1894 by the Prince of Wales. Today it is one of the main attractions for tourists who visit the city.
