Don’t Look Down! Breathtaking Bridges You Might Think Twice About Crossing
Bridges are a beautiful thing. They help us cross bodies of water, traverse canyons, and can also be works of art. They are a testament to the determination of man to get to where we want to go. As beautiful and helpful as they are, they can also be incredibly unnerving. It's against human nature to be so high up with imminent death on either side of you. Try not to get vertigo; these are the most insane bridges around the world.
The Old Bridge Of Konitsa
Located in Eprius, Greece, the Bridge of Konitsa is the stone portal that leads to and from the ancient town of Konitsa. Built in 1870, it crosses where the Aoos river meets the Voidomatis river. Rich with history, the region was first inhabited way back in 2100 BC it looks as though ancient Greeks might have traversed the bridge at some point.
The narrow bridge is likely the largest single-arch bridge in the Balkans.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is one of the area's most prominent attractions. Built in 1889, the bridge is 450 long and 230 high. Located right above the Capilano River, this scenic bridge is surrounded by the beautiful forests of Vancouver.
When "Mac" MacEachran purchased the bridge in 1935, he invited local natives to place totem poles in the park, which visitors can still view today.
Road Trip Across The Navajo Bridges
The Navajo Bridges are two two steel parallel-running bridges that cross the Colorado River in northern Arizona. Originally named the Grand Canyon Bridge, the bridges connect southern Utah to Arizona, making it a perfect route for a road trip or a beautiful walk, as it opened to pedestrians in 1995. It sits 476 feet above the Colorado River with a breathtaking view.
The Navajo Bridges are tied at ninth place among the highest bridges in the United States.
Pulau Langkawi Sky Bridge
Completed in 2005, the Langkawi Sky Bridge is a pedestrian cable bridge that is 2,710 feet above sea level and stretches a curvy 450 feet. The bridge hangs over the peak of the Gunung Mat Chinchang on the main island of the Langkawi island cluster in Kedah, Malaysia. The views are incredible!
The stunning bridge was closed in July 2012 for maintenance and upgrading and finally had a partial reopening in February of 2015.
The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
When it opened in 2016, the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge was the longest and tallest glass-bottomed bridge in the world. Located in China, it measures 1,410 feet long, 20 feet wide, and is suspended an incredible 853 above the ground.
It's a pedestrian-only bridge and is designed to hold up to 800 people at a time. But don't look down while you're crossing or you may get a serious case of vertigo.
The Ojuela Bridge
Ojuela was a small mining town in Mexico that was eventually deserted for the most part. The original bridge was constructed in 1898 by the Roebling Brothers, who also designed the Brooklyn Bridge. A restoration project in 1991 established the bridge as a tourist attraction.
At one point, it was the third-longest suspension bridge in the world. It looks sketchy, but it's not even close to being the scariest on this list.
Mackinac Bridge, Michigan
This bridge can be so frightening for people to cross that there's a free 24/7 service called The Mackinac Bridge Authority's Drivers Assistance Program which provides people with a driver!
The Mackinac Bridge connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The height and the wind, which often exceeds 30 mph. If you're curious to see the bridge without actually crossing it yourself, there is a webcam online as well as weather and traffic updates.
Royal Gorge Bridge
The Royal Gorge Bridge crosses the Arkansas River and connects to either side of the Royal Gorge in Canon City, Colorado. This bridge is super high. In fact, it was the world's highest bridge from 1929 until 2001. It is still the highest bridge in the United States, suspended 955 feet above the river below.
After being rebuilt following a fire, the bridge had a grand reopening in May 2015 with new gondolas and a zip-line for its more adventurous visitors.
The Millau Viaduct Is One Of The Tallest
The Millau Viaduct is in the gorge valley near Millau in the south of France. It's 890 feet from the deck to the ground, making it the 22nd highest bridge in the world. But, if you were to measure it from the field to the top of the most upper mast (1,104 feet) it's the tallest bridge
The Millau Viaduct won 2006 Outstanding Structure Award from the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering.
The Hureai Bridge Is In Its Own League
If you think that straight bridges are overrated, then you might be interested in visiting the Hureai Bridge in Nantan, Japan. This circular pedestrian bridge allows its crossers to get a sense of their surroundings by walking in a circle to get to the other side.
Completed in 2003, this unique pressed concrete bridge located at the foot of the Hiyoshi dam breaks the status quo about our perception of bridges.
Pont du Gard Aqueduct
Although there may not look like there's anything wrong with it, you might hesitate to cross after learning that it was built in 40 AD. Although Roman architecture has proven to be sound, a bridge that old seems questionable.
The beautiful Pont du Gard Aqueduct has been visited by tourists for centuries and is one of France's top five tourist attractions. It was initially used as an aqueduct and as a way to cross the river.
Ireland's Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge
Eagle-eyed fans may recognize this bridge if they watched Game of Thrones, which was filmed there. The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in Northern Ireland connects the mainland to the island of Carrickarede, crossing the Atlantic Ocean.
Strangely enough, the bridge is thought to have been built by a salmon fisherman over 350 years ago. It's suspended 100 feet above the ocean and you can only cross if the weather is being cooperative.
Trift Bridge
If you dare, the Trift Bridge is located in the Switzerland Alps and suspends over the Trift Glacier. The pedestrian bridge is 328 feet high and 558 feet long, making it an excellent sightseeing location and place to get some amazing photos if you can compose yourself long enough to look around.
Visitors can reach the bridge two different ways. You can choose to take a cable car followed by a gondola ride, or you can hike to get there. Expect to spend about an hour and a half hiking uphill if you opt to go on foot!
The Longest Bridge Over Water: Jiaozhou Bay Bridge
The Jiaozhou Bay Bridge is a roadway in China's Shandong province. It's one of the longest bridges over water, measuring in at just under 25 miles. The company that constructed the bridge claims that it has the world's largest number of oversea bored concrete piles
If you don't like being on bridges for an extended amount of time, you might want to avoid this one at all costs, even though it can save 20-30 minutes on your commute time.
Cherrapunji Root Bridge
If you want to feel like you're walking in a fantasy world, check out the root bridge in Meghalaya, India. The Nongriat village in Cherrapunji has spent generations directing the growth of these trees and roots to construct an entirely nature-made bridge.
Because of the climate, most wooden bridges would collapse, but the trees used in these amazing bridges have extremely powerful roots that can withstand the test of time.
Eshima Ohashi Bridge
Just take a glance at this steep-looking bridge! The Eshima Ohashi Bridge is a ridged-frame bridge in Japan. It connects cities on either side of Nakaumi Lake. The bridge was constructed from 1997 to 2004.
It is the third-largest rigid-frame bridge in the world. Despite the appearance in photos, however, the bridge is not as steep as it looks. It has a 6.1% gradient in the side of Shimane and a 5.1% gradient in the Tottori side.
Mount Titlis Bridge: The World's Scariest Bridge
At around 10,000 feet above sea level, the Mount Titlis suspension bridge, known as the "Titlis Cliff Walk," is 328 feet long and only 3 feet wide. Located in the Swiss Alps, it is considered to be the highest suspension bridge in Europe.
It opened in 2012, in the middle of a snowstorm nonetheless, and was described by the media as "the world's scariest bridge." Rest assured, however, that the bridge was designed to withstand winds that reach over 120 mph.
The Modi Khola Bridge Above Glacier Run-Off
This old suspension bridge is in the Upper Modi Khola Valley in Nepal. The bridge crosses a small river that is glacier run-off from the peaks of the Hiunchuli and Machapuchare peaks. They flow into the Madi Khola River and then throughout several channels.
Although the wooden bridge looks like it's about to fall apart, the beauty of the scenery might be worth the risk! The many people who visit each year will attest to that.
Tea Park Bridge
In Xuan'en's County in China's Hubei Province, visitors can get a bit of an adrenaline rush in a tea park, of all places. The tea park has the option to walk across the "air corridor" which is 3,200 feet long made up of wooden planks, tires, ropes, and more. It is one of the biggest and by far the most dangerous attraction at the park.
Hundreds of tourists are drawn to test their nerves on the bridge each year.
The Rainbow Bridge
Located in southeastern Texas, outside of Sabine Lake is the Rainbow Bridge. It took two years to build this terrifying bridge, construction began in 1936 and was completed on September 8, 1939.
The bridge became a landmark in the area, and Prairie View, the city on the northeastern end of the bridge even started calling itself "Bridge City". In 1996 Rainbow Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The Confederation Bridge
The Confederation Bridge, formerly referred to as the "Fixed Link," connects Prince Edward Island with New Brunswick, Canada. The construction of the two-lane bridge took four years between 1993 and 1997. The bridge is around 200 feet tall and approximately 8 miles long traveling above the ice-cold water below.
It takes about 12 minutes to cross the Confederation Bridge when driving at the speed limit, which is 50 mph in good weather conditions.
Calcasieu River Bridge, The Most Perilous Bridge In Louisiana
The Calcasieu River Bridge is widely regarded as the most perilous bridge in Louisiana. This 6,605-foot bridge is the only major bridge for Lake Charles, but its design makes it difficult to drive. The bridge slowly rises before drastically dipping, like a large triangle.
Because the slope is so small, drivers might think they're driving parallel to the lake. But then they suddenly go downhill and speed up. With 80,000 vehicles on it every day, the Calcasieu River Bridge is a hot spot for accidents.
Alaska's Kuskulana Bridge Has Become A "Thrill Ride"
The Kuskulana Bridge, which rises 238 feet above the Kuskulana River in Alaska, is one of America's "thrill rides." The bridge soars over the treetops, which might unsettle people with a fear of heights. The narrow roads also overlook rushing rapids.
Although the speed limit is 15 miles per hour, many people will drive faster for the rush. Slow down on this drive, especially in snowy weather. Pedestrians will also walk along this narrow bridge for photos. Can you believe that Kuskulana Bridge didn’t always have guard rails?
Pulaski Skyway Is New Jersey's "Death Highway"
The Pulaski Skyway is one of the most beautiful bridges in New Jersey, but also one of the most dangerous. It has two 11-foot lanes on each side with a small breakdown lane in the middle, and no shoulders. This narrow drive has given it the nickname "death highway."
Pulaski Skyway is 3.5 miles long and 135 feet over the Passaic and Hackensack rivers. Over 67,000 vehicles cross it every day, and many of them speed. Since it was built in 1930, the Pulaski Skyway has seen hundreds of crashes.
Deception Pass Bridge In Washington Is Too Narrow For Comfort
Deception Pass Bridge connects Whidbey Island to Fidalgo Island in Washington. It stands 180 feet above the water and crosses over a tiny island in the middle. Although beautiful, Deception Pass has only two lanes and a three-foot-wide pedestrian walkway, and 15,000 cars cross it every day.
To make matters worse, the area is often foggy. If anyone falls off, they'll land in strong tides up to ten miles per hour. Because of the danger, people will often drive slowly across the bridge.
Florida's Pensacola Bay Bridge Got Beaten By A Hurricane
The Pensacola Bay Bridge was relatively normal until Hurricane Sally hit in September 2020. This hurricane caused so much damage that the bridge closed for over a year. When officials first examined the bridge after Hurricane Sally, they found that four piers had been turned, one was cracked, and 30 spans were damaged.
By March 2020, officials found that Pensacola Bay Bridge was more damaged than previously thought. Despite its many repairs, it remains closed. Fortunately, drivers cannot cross the least safe bridge in the state.
Colorado's Royal Gorge Bridge Is 955 Feet High
Colorado's Royal Gorge Bridge is one of the most spectacular–and perilous–bridges in the United States. This bridge hangs 955 feet above the Arkansas River, and it held the world record for the highest bridge until 2001. People who fear heights should not drive across it.
Although you can drive across it, the Royal Gorge Bridge is not a thoroughfare. Once you cross the entire 1,260 feet, you’ll have to turn around and do it again. It also has low railings to further fascinate (and terrify) drivers.
The Emlenton Bridge In Pennsylvania Is One Of The Worst
Pennsylvania has the second-worst bridges in the country, according to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association. Of these, the scariest is the Emlenton Bridge. As the tallest bridge in Pennsylvania, it stands 270 feet above the Allegheny River. Unfortunately, it is also the site of multiple crashes.
The Emlenton Bridge has four narrow lanes and rough weather in the autumn and winter. Combine that with its harrowing heights, and you have thousands of distracted drivers. If you drive it carefully, though, the Emlenton Bridge provides stunning views of the river.
Michigan's Mackinac Bridge Has Rough Winds
The Mackinac Bridge, which connects Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas, might not seem as dangerous as other bridges. It has no hills or sharp turns. However, its danger factor comes from the wind, which whips by at 30 miles per hour.
These winds can easily push cars, which shocks many drivers. At 26,372 feet long and 200 feet high, the Mackinac Bridge is no cakewalk. Drivers have to grip the wheel and focus if they don’t want their car to slide over ten feet.
Connecticut's Yankee Doodle Bridge Desperately Needs Repairs
In 2019, MSN conducted several studies on the bridges in America. Connecticut's most dangerous bridge was the Yankee Doodle Bridge in Fairfield County. This bridge, which crosses the Norwalk River on Interstate 95, is in desperate need of repairs.
Connecticut has some of the worst bridge conditions in the country, and Yankee Doodle Bridge is the worst. Since 145,000 vehicles cross the bridge every day, some residents worry that it will eventually collapse. Fortunately, the state is working on repairing its many bridges.
The Clark Fork River Bridge In Montana Is Unstable
The Clark Fork River Bridge is one mile north of Trout Creek in Montana. Although it is only 100 feet long, it has a poor structure. Since it was built in 1958, the Clark Fork River Bridge has declined in quality and become unsafe.
In April 2020, the Montana Department of Transportation closed the bridge for repairs. The bridge has now reopened after millions of dollars in repairs. If you want to cross this narrow bridge with 23,000 other people, you can. But many still don't like it.
The Sarah Mildred Long Bridge Swings When You Drive Across
Maine is notorious for its dangerous bridges; it has the sixth-worst bridges in the nation, according to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association. One of the worst–and most popular–is the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge that crosses the Piscataqua River. Drivers have reported a "wavy" feeling while crossing this unstable bridge.
In 2018, officials reopened it after repairs, claiming that it is now safe. But some people are still concerned about crossing this 2,800-foot-long bridge. The Sarah Mildred Long Bridge sees over 20,000 vehicles per day, and it stands 300 feet above the water.
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge In Virginia Frightens Firefighters
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge spans over four miles across the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. At its highest point, it's 200 feet above the water. Terri Robinson, a driver for Kent Island Express, told Washingtonian that even policemen and firefighters get spooked while crossing the bridge.
The bridge’s height is exacerbated by its low railings. Drivers tend to get distracted by the height, only to drift and collide with another vehicle in the two-way traffic. With over 61,000 vehicles per day, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge sees a lot of distracted drivers.
Hawaii's Kahekili Highway Bridge Is Notoriously Dangerous
Kahekili Highway is so dangerous that Hawaiian rental companies refuse to cover drivers who go there, and its bridge is no exception. The bridge crosses Kahakuloa Stream, and it is so narrow that some cars might scrape the edges. That is typical for this area.
Kahekili is narrow, surrounded by steep cliffs that are prone to falling rocks. The area is also dark and can be difficult to navigate, even in the middle of the day. If you drive along this highway, the bridge will be the least of your problems.
Strong Winds Move The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge In New York
Truckers dread crossing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, which connects New York City to Staten Island. This bridge has no fences, and strong winds make it sway back in forth. In 2020, officials had to close the bridge because it was swinging too much.
Drivers in trucks and other large vehicles worry about tipping over somewhere along the 13,700-foot bridge. In March 2021, New York finally worked to install security fencing that prevents people from falling off of Verrazzano-Narrows. But that doesn't stop the swaying and violent winds.
Many Have Crashed On Fuller Warren Bridge In Florida
If you drive down the I-95 in Jacksonville, Florida, you'll eventually cross the Fuller Warren Bridge. This concrete bridge is over 7,500 feet long with eight lanes. Although it sounds sturdy, the high traffic makes it statistically dangerous.
In 2017, Florida began working on widening the bridge. But this hasn’t stopped the accidents; in 2019, a massive crash left six people critically injured. Over 170,000 vehicles cross Fuller Warren Bridge every day, encouraging some drivers to avoid it altogether.
The "Can Opener" Wrecks Trucks In North Carolina
The Norfolk Southern–Gregson Street Overpass has toppled more cars and trucks than any other in North Carolina, granting it the nickname "the Can Opener." The bridge itself is for a railroad in Durham. The danger is not on top of the bridge; it's under it!
The Norfolk Southern–Gregson Overpass is only 11-foot-8-inches high, which was standard when it was built in 1973. Since then, the standard height has risen to 14 feet. This has caused many trucks to ram into the bridge, resulting in many collisions. One hundred and one wrecks have happened there since 2008.
The Vicksburg Bridge Might Suffer From Floods
Vicksburg Bridge is one of the many bridges that cross the Mississippi River in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Since the river tends to flood, all of these bridges are risky, especially for barges. But the Vicksburg Bridge is especially bad.
This bridge has been closed many times to make it strong enough for cars, the last time being in 1998. Part of this is due to the extreme weather that cracks the bridge. When the bridge freezes over, automobile accidents occur. And when the river floods, a boat can ram right into the bridge!
River River Bridge, A Rickety Border Between Oklahoma And Texas
The Red River Bridge sits on the borders of Oklahoma and Texas. Although it is only 1,500 feet long, its old wood and concrete structure dates back to 1938. This makes it incredibly unstable, especially in rough weather.
The Red River Bridge is rickety and susceptible to high winds. In 2015, a massive storm threatened to overtop the bridge. Although some residents wanted to replace it, the Red River Bridge remained open. Its weight limit is only three tons, so large vehicles will fall into the water below.
The Worst Bridge In North Carolina, Greensboro
The Greensboro Bridge, otherwise known as Bridge 299 along the I-40/I-85, is North Carolina's most dangerous bridge. It is structurally unsound and potentially dangerous for drivers. In 2014, it was ranked as the state’s worst bridge for the third year in a row.
Despite being considered as "structurally deficient" by the North Carolina Department, over 134,000 vehicles cross Greensboro Bridge every day. In 2018, state officials considered rebuilding the bridge, which would cost around $12 million. But this has yet to happen, and Greensboro remains North Carolina’s worst bridge.
