Bridges are remarkable structures that connect different locations and facilitate transportation, communication, and trade. They also serve as testaments to human ingenuity, creativity, and engineering prowess.
Some bridges around the world are so extensive that they traverse vast bodies of water, mountains, valleys, and cities. Here is a list of the top 10 longest bridges in the world as of 2023, based on information from various sources:
Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge
- Length: 164.8 km (102.4 mi)
- Location: China
- Traffic: High-speed rail
The Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge holds the distinction of being the world’s longest bridge by any measure. It forms part of the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway and spans the Yangtze River Delta. Completed in 2010, this bridge has held the Guinness World Record for the longest bridge (of any type) since 2011. It consists of a series of viaducts that support the railway tracks, with several sections elevated above the ground or water.
Changhua–Kaohsiung Viaduct
- Length: 157.3 km (97.8 mi)
- Location: Taiwan
- Traffic: High-speed rail
The Changhua–Kaohsiung Viaduct is the second longest bridge globally and the longest bridge in Taiwan. It is part of the Taiwan High-Speed Rail, running along the island’s western coast. Completed in 2004, it has a design speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). Similar to the Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge, it consists of a series of viaducts supporting the railway tracks, with elevated sections spanning land and water.
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Kita–Yaita Viaduct
- Length: 114.4 km (71.1 mi)
- Location: Japan
- Traffic: High-speed rail
The Kita–Yaita Viaduct holds the title of the third longest bridge globally and the longest bridge in Japan. It forms part of the Tohoku Shinkansen, connecting Kita-Shiobara Station and Yaita Station. Completed in 1982, it has a design speed of 320 km/h (199 mph). Similar to the previous bridges, it comprises a series of viaducts supporting the railway tracks, with sections elevated above land and water.
Tianjin Grand Bridge
- Length: 113.7 km (70.6 mi)
- Location: China
- Traffic: High-speed rail
The Tianjin Grand Bridge is the fourth longest bridge worldwide and the second longest bridge in China. It is also a part of the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway, linking Langfang and Qingxian. Completed in 2010, it has held the Guinness World Record for the second-longest bridge (of any type) since 2011. Like the others, it is composed of viaducts supporting the railway tracks, with sections elevated over land and water.
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Cangde Grand Bridge
- Length: 106 km (65.9 mi)
- Location: China
- Traffic: High-speed rail
The Cangde Grand Bridge is the fifth longest bridge globally and the third longest bridge in China. It is another component of the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway, connecting Cangzhou and Dezhou. Completed in 2010, it has a design speed of 350 km/h (217 mph). It shares the same structure as the previous bridges, consisting of viaducts supporting the railway tracks and elevated sections traversing land and water.
Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge
- Length: 79.7 km (49.5 mi)
- Location: China
- Traffic: High-speed rail
The Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge stands as the sixth longest bridge worldwide and the fourth longest bridge in China. It is part of the Zhengzhou–Xi’an High-Speed Railway, spanning the Wei River multiple times. Completed in 2008, it has a design speed of 350 km/h (217 mph). Like its counterparts, it comprises viaducts supporting railway tracks and elevated sections crossing over land and water.
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Bang Na Expressway
- Length: 54 km (33.5 mi)
- Location: Thailand
- Traffic: Expressway
The Bang Na Expressway is the seventh-longest bridge globally and the longest road bridge in Asia. It is an elevated toll road that follows National Highway Route 34 in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region.
Completed in 2000, it has held the Guinness World Record for the longest road bridge since 2000. This bridge consists of a six-lane concrete structure supported by steel columns, designed for a speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
Beijing Grand Bridge
- Length: 48.2 km (29.9 mi)
- Location: China
- Traffic: High-speed rail
The Beijing Grand Bridge ranks as the eighth-longest bridge worldwide and the fifth-longest bridge in China. It is part of the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway, connecting Beijing and Langfang. Completed in 2010, it has a design speed of 350 km/h (217 mph). Like the other bridges in China, it is composed of viaducts supporting the railway tracks, with elevated sections traversing land and water.
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Metro Manila Skyway System
- Length: 39.2 km (24.4 mi)
- Location: Philippines
- Traffic: Expressway
The Metro Manila Skyway System is the ninth-longest bridge globally and the longest bridge in the Philippines. It is an elevated toll road connecting various parts of Metro Manila, including Makati, Pasay, Taguig, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, and Laguna. Completed in 2021, it has a design speed of 100 km/h (62 mph). The bridge consists of a six-lane concrete structure supported by steel columns, with sections elevated above land and water.
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
- Length: 38.4 km (23.9 mi)
- Location: United States
- Traffic: Highway
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway holds the position of the tenth-longest bridge globally and the longest bridge in the United States. It is a twin-span bridge crossing Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana. The southbound span was completed in 1956, while the northbound span was completed in 1969.
Since 1969, it has held the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous bridge over water. The bridge consists of a four-lane concrete structure supported by concrete piles, designed for a speed of 105 km/h (65 mph).
These bridges represent the top 10 longest bridges worldwide in 2023, each serving as a testament to remarkable engineering and construction achievements. They have significantly enhanced connectivity and mobility, benefiting millions of people.
