List of 15 Longest Bridges in the World as of 2024

While crossing a bridge, have you ever thought about what is the longest bridge in the world? 

“Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge” is the longest bridge in the world right now. As technology advances, new bridges are added to the list every year. Bridges are built to connect cities and people for different purposes. There are over 300 bridges around the globe, but I can’t mention each one. So, I have made the list of the top 15 world’s longest bridges. From China to Spain, South Korea to Portugal, these spectacular bridges have surprising facts and interesting things to know.

Let’s begin. 

1. Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge – Longest Bridge in the World

As per the data, the Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge holds the record for being the world’s longest bridge. With a length of about 102.4 miles (164.8 kilometers), this bridge is one of China’s most significant railway bridges, as it runs high-speed trains between Beijing and Shanghai. The overall estimated cost to build it is around $8.5 billion, equating to $51 million per mile. The Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge has been designed with high-end technology and innovative design to withstand seismic activity and extreme weather conditions.

2. Changhua–Kaohsiung Viaduct – Second Longest Bridge in the World

The second-longest bridge in the world is the Changhua-Kaohsiung Viaduct. It stretches over 157.3 km. This high-speed rail network connects the cities of Changhua and Kaohsiung and is considered a prominent component of Taiwan. Completed in 2000, this bridge network has transported over 200 million passengers. The bridge covers diverse landscapes, including urban areas, water bodies, and rural areas. The Changhua-Kaohsiung Viaduct is engineered to withstand earthquakes and other seismic activities and offers complete safety to passengers.

3. Kita-Yaita Viaduct – Third Longest Bridge in the World

With a length of 14.4 kilometers (71.1 miles), the Kita-Yaita Viaduct becomes the third-longest bridge in the world. This is, again, a high-speed rail bridge located in Japan. The bridge started working in June 1982, and today, millions of people use it for daily transportation. It connects the urban regions of Tokyo with Aomori in Aomori Prefecture. It is operated and managed by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East). This rail network covers diverse terrain and beautiful views of Japan’s landscapes while ensuring the safety of travelers.

4. Tianjin Grand Bridge

This is another bridge from China that made it to the list. Yes, this country has several long bridges over the road and sea. The Tianjin Grand Bridge, also known as the Langfang–Qingxian Viaduct, is about 113.7 km long; it was built in 2010 and opened to the public in 2011. This bridge is vital to the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway Network as it connects several regions. It includes 32 individual sections, each of which is built and installed separately.

5. Cangde Grand Bridge

Completed in 2010, the Cangde Grand Bridge is really the longest bridge in the world. It is a part of the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway. Like other Chinese bridges, this one was also created with innovative engineering to withstand extreme weather and seismic events. The entire bridge is supported by 3092 piers, giving it solid support. It is one of the best examples of modernizing the transportation infrastructure in China. 

6. Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge

The Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge is built over the Wei River in China. The construction was completed in 2008 and opened in 2010; it was built to provide safe and reliable rail transportation to the people. It is a part of the Zhengzhou–Xi’an High-Speed Railway project. This bridge covers numerous other waterways, highways, and railways. It also covers several rivers, including Ling, Luofu, Xi, and Shi Di. It is also known as China’s “natural gateway to the West.”

7. Bang Na Expressway 

The next one on the list is the Bang Na Expressway, which is situated in Thailand. It hovers above National Highway Route 34 while seamlessly connecting the Bang Na Interchange and Chon Buri Interchange. This is a box-girder viaduct bridge with a six-lane elevated highway. You’ll be surprised to know that to construct this entire bridge, 1,800,000 cubic meters of concrete were used. The overall cost is estimated at $1 billion. The Bang Na Expressway bridge was the world’s longest bridge from 2000 until 2008.

8. Beijing Grand Bridge

Let’s talk about the next longest bridge on the list, the Beijing Grand Bridge, in Beijing, China. This is another famous bridge part of the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway network. The Beijing Grand Bridge runs through urban, suburban, and rural areas, serving as a crucial link for high-speed trains between Beijing and Shanghai. As per the 2021 data, China has over 961,100 road bridges, showing its infrastructure prowess. 

9. Metro Manila Skyway System

The Metro Manila Skyway System (MMSS), also known as the Metro Manila Skyway, is the primary metro transport system in Manila, Philippines. The overall length of this elevated bridge is about 39.2 km. The Metro Manila Skyway is also one of the longest elevated highways in the world. This single connection is important as it solely connects the North and South Luzon Expressways and provides access to Ninoy Aquino International Airport via the NAIA Expressway. 

10. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, commonly known as ‘The Causeway,’ was opened in 1956. It is situated in Louisiana, USA, and it connects the cities of Mandeville and Metairie. This bridge has a unique design, created by combining parallel twin bridges. It offers some spine-tingling views as the land slowly disappears in the middle section, and there is only water. That’s why, while being part of the longest bridges in the world, it also comes to the list of the world’s scariest bridges. 

11. Wuhan Metro Bridge

The Wuhan Metro Bridge is part of the first elevated Metro line in Wuhan. It is also counted as the world’s longest continuous metro viaduct. Constructed in 2009, the Wuhan Metro Bridge is an engineering marvel. From its spectacular design to the seamless connectivity of Wuhan’s urban regions, this bridge is a great addition to the city’s transportation system. 

12. Manchac Swamp Bridge

With a length of 36.7 km, the Manchac Swamp Bridge is considered one of the longest bridges in the world over water. This twin concrete trestle bridge is also constructed from two bridges: National Highway 51 and Interstate 55. Built over Lake Maurepas in Louisana, USA, this bridge is magnificent. 

13. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Skyway (MBZ Skyway)

The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Skyway (MBZ Skyway) is the last bridge on the list of longest bridges in the world. This highway bridge was built in West Java, Indonesia, to reduce traffic congestion at the Jakarta-Cikampek II (Elevated) Toll Road. 

14. Vasco da Gama Bridge

The Vasco da Gama Bridge, also referred to as the Ponte Vasco da Gama, is the next longest bridge on the list. The length is about 17.2 km, making it the longest bridge in Europe. Built over the Tagus, it is currently managed and operated by Lusoponte. This is a crucial transportation link in the region, as it connects the urban north bank of Lisbon with the city’s more rural south bank. The bridge’s construction started in February 1995 but was opened to traffic on March 29, 1998.

15. San Mateo-Hayward Bridge

The San Mateo-Hayward Bridge, also called the San Mateo Bridge, is located in California, USA. It was constructed in 1967 to connect the San Francisco Peninsula to the East Bay region. This construction is highly beneficial for commuters and travelers in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Final Thoughts

So, these are the top 15 longest bridges in the world. The astonishing bridges across the globe are marvels of engineering and human ingenuity. These structures connect people, cultures, and economies to make life easier and more convenient. From high-speed rail viaducts to road highways, the longest and biggest bridges in the world play a vital role in modern infrastructure. These bridges are engineered with highly precise details to withstand extreme weather and seismic situations. 

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