Top 5 Suspension Bridges From Around the World

Suspension bridges are one of the oldest construction structures in the world. Ropes and wood are the primary material that was initially used for the construction of suspension bridges. It is even more critical than suspension bridges to solve the problem of the long span. The latest record-breaking suspension bridges venture across the abyss like never before.

It’s a long way down when the bridge swings. Anyone with a good head for heights, and even those who avoid them at all costs, knows there is a big difference between crossing a massive suspension bridge for cars and trains and one built for pedestrians.

Tsing Ma Bridge, Hong Kong

The Tsing Ma Bridge is the world’s ninth-longest suspension bridge in Hing Kong. The main span of this bridge is 1377 meters. It connects Tsing Yi and Ma Wan Island from Hing Kong. The bridge is also named after these two islands.

The span of the Tsing Bridge is more significant than all other bridges in the world that carry rails. The Tsing Ma Bridge comprises six routes for motor traffic and two tracks on the lower level. There are also protected carriage paths on the lower deck for the bridge for maintenance access.

Great Belt Bridge, Denmark

Great Belt Bridge is one of the bridges of the extensive belt-fixed connection system that connects the Danish Islands from Zealand and Funen. The bridge system consists of a road suspension bridge, a railway tunnel, and a box girder bridge. The railway tunnel of the large belt bridge connects Zealand with the island of Sprogo.

A large belt bridge is on the east side of the bridge system. The longest span of the large belt bridge is 1624 meters and is the third-longest main span in the world. The bridge’s construction began in 1989 and was opened to the public in 1998. Big Belt Bridge is 254 meters above water, Denmark’s highest point.

Xihoumen Bridge, China

The Xihoumen Bridge is the longest main span in China and the second-longest suspension bridge in the world in the Zhoushan Archipelago. The length of the middle span of this bridge is 1650 meters. The 5.3 km long Xihoumen Bridge connects Jintang Island with the Cezi Islands. Construction of the Xihoumen Bridge started in 2005 and was completed in 2007.

The bridge consists of 2.7 km long side joints, and the main deck has a length of 2.6 km. The Xihoumen Bridge has a four-line expressway that enables vehicle speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour.

Hamber Bridge, United Kingdom

It is a 2220-meter-long suspension bridge in Kingston upon Hull, England. It is the longest suspension bridge in the United Kingdom. The Hamber Bridge was opened in 1981 and remained the longest clamping bridge in the world until 1998. The longest span of the Hamber Bridge has a length of 1410 meters.

This bridge connects North Lincon Inshire with the East Riding of Yorkshire Local District. This bridge was officially opened to traffic by Queen Elizabeth II on July 17, 1981. The central span of the Hamber Bridge also enables navigation of ships. This bridge receives 12,000 vehicles per week of traffic.

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Japan

The Akashi Kaikayo Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the world. The main span of this bridge is 1991 meters long. The bridge connects the city of Kobe with the Japanese island of Awaji. The bridge has three spans; the central span measures 1991 meters in length, and the other two have a distance of 960 meters.

The double-fold stiffening girder system helps the bridge withstand wind speeds up to 178 miles per hour, and earthquakes measure up to 8.5 in magnitude. The construction of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge started in 1988 and took ten years to complete. The bridge was opened on April 5, 1998, and includes six scheduled services.