126. Ponte Dom Luis I, Portugal
Located in: Porto, Portugal
Established: 1886
Cost: $2 million*
Completed in 1886 at a cost of $2 million, this double-decked iron bridge spans the Douro River, connecting the historic neighborhoods of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Designed by the renowned Belgian engineer Théophile Seyrig, the bridge features two levels—one for vehicular traffic and the other for pedestrians and trams—each offering panoramic views of the river and the city skyline.
Ponte Dom Luis I, Portugal ©Deensel – Dom Luís I Bridge/Wikimedia Commons
Affectionately known as “The Double-Decker,” it has become an iconic symbol of Porto’s rich cultural heritage and urban charm. The Ponte Dom Luis I was the longest iron arch bridge in the world at the time of its completion, showcasing Portugal’s engineering prowess and technological advancements during the Industrial Revolution.
127. Ada Bridge, Serbia
Located in: Belgrade, Serbia
Established: 2012
Cost: $230 million*
The Ada Bridge in Belgrade, Serbia, is a modern icon of progress and connectivity. Opened to traffic in 2012, this cable-stayed bridge spans the Sava River, linking the municipalities of Cukarica and New Belgrade. With a total length of 964 meters and a striking asymmetrical design, it has quickly become a symbol of Belgrade’s transformation.
Ada Bridge, Serbia ©Andrii Lutsyk/Shutterstock
The Ada Bridge, also known as “Most na Adi,” not only facilitates smoother transportation but also serves as a popular recreational spot for locals and tourists, offering pedestrian walkways and panoramic viewpoints. The bridge’s name, Ada, translates to “island” in Serbian, paying homage to the nearby Ada Ciganlija, a popular river island and recreational area in Belgrade.
128. Tappan Zee Bridge, USA
Located in: New York, USA
Established: Original in 1955, Replacement in 2017
Cost: Original $81 million, Replacement $4 billion*
The Tappan Zee Bridge, an iconic fixture on the New York skyline, has long been a symbol of progress and connectivity in the Empire State. Originally established in 1955, this monumental structure served as a vital lifeline, linking the communities of Tarrytown and Nyack in the Lower Hudson Valley.
Tappan Zee Bridge, USA Komzet/Wikimedia Commons
However, as the years passed and traffic demands soared, it became evident that the aging bridge was in need of a modern facelift to meet the evolving needs of the region. With an eye-watering price tag of $4 billion, the Tappan Zee Bridge replacement project aimed to deliver not just a mere upgrade, but a state-of-the-art marvel that would redefine the standards of bridge engineering.
129. Victoria Falls Bridge, Zambia/Zimbabwe
Located in: Border of Zambia/Zimbabwe
Established: 1905
Cost: $300,000*
The Victoria Falls Bridge, spanning the Zambezi River gorge between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is a historic marvel that connects two nations and offers breathtaking views of one of the world’s largest waterfalls. At a cost of $300,000, this steel arch bridge was designed by British engineers Sir Ralph Freeman and George Hobson and served as a crucial railway link between Cape Town and Cairo during the colonial era.
Victoria Falls Bridge, Zambia/Zimbabwe ©e2dan/Shutterstock
The Victoria Falls Bridge is also famous for its bungee jumping and bridge swinging activities, attracting adrenaline junkies from around the world to experience the ultimate thrill of leaping into the gorge below.
130. Mersey Gateway Bridge, United Kingdom
Located in: Cheshire, England, United Kingdom
Established: 2017
Cost: $1.86 billion*
The Mersey Gateway Bridge, located in Cheshire, England, United Kingdom, is a modern marvel of infrastructure engineering. Opened in 2017, this cable-stayed bridge spans the River Mersey, connecting the towns of Runcorn and Widnes. With a total length of 2,130 meters, it significantly eases traffic congestion in the region and enhances connectivity between Liverpool and the surrounding areas.
Mersey Gateway Bridge, United Kingdom ©David Peace/Wikimedia Commons
The bridge’s distinctive design, featuring three towers and a unique cable arrangement, has garnered international acclaim. Notably, the construction of the Mersey Gateway Bridge utilized over 1,000 kilometers of steel strands, making it one of the largest cable-stayed bridges in the world.
131. Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, USA
Located in: Massachusetts, USA
Established: 2003
Cost: $100 million*
The Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, located in Massachusetts, USA, is an iconic landmark in the Boston skyline. This cable-stayed bridge spans the Charles River, connecting the neighborhoods of Charlestown and the West End.
Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, USA ©USEPA Environmental-Protection-Agency/Wikimedia Commons
Named after civil rights activist Leonard P. Zakim and the Battle of Bunker Hill, it serves as a vital transportation artery for the city, carrying over 200,000 vehicles daily. The bridge’s distinctive “double-deck” design and sleek architectural profile have earned it numerous accolades. The Zakim Bridge features the widest cable-stayed bridge deck in the world, providing expansive views of the Boston skyline.
132. Crimean Bridge, Russia
Located in: Crimea, Russia
Established: 2018
Cost: $3.7 billion*
The Crimean Bridge, also known as the Kerch Strait Bridge, is a monumental engineering achievement connecting the Crimean Peninsula to mainland Russia. Completed in 2018, this bridge spans 19 kilometers across the Kerch Strait, linking the Taman Peninsula in Russia with the Crimean Peninsula.
Crimean Bridge, Russia ©rosavtodor.ru/Wikimedia Commons
With its construction cost totaling $3.7 billion, it stands as one of the most expensive bridge projects globally. This strategic infrastructure asset enhances connectivity between Crimea and Russia, facilitating economic growth and development in the region. The Crimean Bridge includes a railway line, enabling the seamless transportation of goods and passengers between the two landmasses.
133. Hoover Dam Bridge, USA
Located in: Arizona/Nevada, USA
Established: 2010
Cost: $240 million*
The Hoover Dam Bridge, officially known as the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, is a marvel of modern engineering spanning the Colorado River between Arizona and Nevada, USA. Opened in 2010, this bridge boasts a length of 579 meters and stands 271 meters above the river, making it one of the highest concrete arch bridges in the world.
Hoover Dam Bridge, USA ©Mariordo /Wikimedia Commons
Constructed at a cost of $240 million, it serves as a critical transportation link, bypassing the congested Hoover Dam area and providing a more efficient route for travelers between the two states. The Hoover Dam Bridge was designed to withstand earthquakes and high winds, ensuring its structural integrity and safety for motorists.
134. Ikitsuki Bridge, Japan
Located in: Nagasaki, Japan
Established: 1991
Cost: $175 million*
The Ikitsuki Bridge, located in Nagasaki, Japan, is an iconic suspension bridge renowned for its architectural elegance and scenic beauty. This bridge spans 400 meters across the Tsushima Strait, connecting the islands of Ikitsuki and Hirado. With its graceful curves and sweeping cables, it has become a popular tourist attraction, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding seascape and nearby islands.
Ikitsuki Bridge, Japan ©M・H/Shutterstock
The Ikitsuki Bridge serves as a vital transportation link for the local communities, facilitating economic development and tourism in the region. The bridge’s design was inspired by the natural contours of the coastline, blending harmoniously with its picturesque surroundings.
135. Jiaozhou Bay Bridge, China
Located in: Shandong, China
Established: 2011
Cost: $1.5 billion*
The Jiaozhou Bay Bridge, located in Shandong, China, is an engineering marvel renowned for its sheer scale and complexity. Opened in 2011, this bridge spans an impressive 42.5 kilometers across Jiaozhou Bay, making it the world’s longest sea bridge. With its six-lane highway and dedicated pedestrian walkways, it serves as a crucial transportation link, connecting the city of Qingdao with the bustling port district of Huangdao.
Jiaozhou Bay Bridge, China ©4045/Shutterstock
At a cost of $1.5 billion, the Jiaozhou Bay Bridge has significantly reduced travel times and congestion, facilitating economic growth and development in the region. The bridge’s construction required over 450,000 tons of steel, equivalent to the weight of 72 Eiffel Towers, making it one of the largest steel structures ever built.
136. Köhlbrandbrücke, Germany
Located in: Hamburg, Germany
Established: 1974
Cost: $80 million*
The Köhlbrandbrücke, situated in Hamburg, Germany, is a distinctive cable-stayed bridge celebrated for its sleek design and engineering ingenuity. Completed in 1974, this bridge spans 3.8 kilometers across the Elbe River, serving as a vital transportation link for the bustling port city of Hamburg. With its striking silhouette and innovative cable-stayed design, it has become an iconic symbol of the city’s modernity and maritime heritage.
Köhlbrandbrücke, Germany ©Ajepbah/Wikimedia Commons
The Köhlbrandbrücke plays a crucial role in facilitating trade and commerce, enabling the seamless movement of goods and vehicles between the port and the city center. The bridge’s unique Y-shaped tower stands at a height of 135 meters, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and harbor.
137. Rio-Niterói Bridge, Brazil
Located in: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Established: 1974
Cost: $22 million*
The Rio-Niterói Bridge, located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a monumental structure celebrated for its architectural grandeur and strategic significance. Opened in 1974, this bridge spans 13.29 kilometers across Guanabara Bay, connecting the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Niterói. With its sweeping curves and elegant design, it has become an iconic landmark of the region, offering stunning vistas of the bay and the city skyline.
Rio-Niterói Bridge, Brazil ©Diego Baravelli /Wikimedia Commons
The Rio-Niterói Bridge serves as a vital transportation artery, easing traffic congestion and facilitating economic development between the two cities. The bridge’s construction required over 90,000 tons of steel, enough to build more than ten Eiffel Towers, making it one of the largest steel structures in South America.
138. Sutong Yangtze River Bridge, China
Located in: Jiangsu, China
Established: 2008
Cost: $1.7 billion*
The Sutong Yangtze River Bridge, located in Jiangsu, China, is an engineering marvel celebrated for its sheer size and technical sophistication. This cable-stayed bridge spans 8.2 kilometers across the Yangtze River, making it one of the longest bridges in the world.
Sutong Yangtze River Bridge, China ©Glabb/Wikimedia Commons
With its eight-lane highway and high-speed railway tracks, it serves as a critical transportation link, connecting the cities of Nantong and Suzhou. The bridge’s main span measures 1,088 meters, making it one of the longest cable-stayed spans in the world and an ode to human ingenuity and engineering excellence.
139. Walt Whitman Bridge, USA
Located in: Pennsylvania/New Jersey, USA
Established: 1957
Cost: $90 million*
The Walt Whitman Bridge, situated between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, USA, is a vital transportation artery connecting the cities of Philadelphia and Gloucester City. Opened in 1957, this suspension bridge spans 2,741 meters across the Delaware River, providing a crucial link for commuters and freight traffic in the region.
Walt Whitman Bridge, USA ©Doc Searls/Wikimedia Commons
With its distinctive twin towers and sweeping cables, it has become an iconic landmark of the Philadelphia skyline. The Walt Whitman Bridge has played a pivotal role in fostering economic growth and development on both sides of the river. The bridge’s towers rise to a height of 440 feet, making them taller than the Statue of Liberty.
140. Williamsburg Bridge, USA
Located in: New York, USA
Established: 1903
Cost: $24.2 million*
The Williamsburg Bridge, located in New York City, USA, is an architectural masterpiece celebrated for its innovative design and historical significance. This suspension bridge spans 2,227 meters across the East River, connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Williamsburg Bridge, USA ©Praneeth Thalla/Wikimedia Commons
With its graceful curves and intricate lattice-work, it has become an iconic symbol of New York’s skyline. The bridge’s original designers, Leffert L. Buck and Henry Hornbostel, incorporated innovative engineering techniques to combat the effects of strong winds and ensure the bridge’s stability.