70. Nanpu Bridge
Located in: Zhongqiu Jhiazhai, Shanghai, China
Established: 1988
Cost: $125.58 million*
In 1988, construction began on the Nanpu Bridge. It ended in 1991. The Bridge is a cable-stayed sister to the Yangpu Bridge, and it is located in Shanghai, China. The Nanpu was designed by Shanghai’s Municipal Engineering Design Institute, in conjunction with the Urban Construction Design Institute of Shanghai and the Urban Construction College of Shanghai,
Nanpu Bridge ©chuyuss / Shutterstock
Architect Holger S. Svensson assisted with the Nanpu’s construction. The main span of the Nanpu measures 1,388 feet at its main span, which makes it shorter than the Yangpu. It is the world’s fifty-seventh-longest cable-stayed bridge. The entire bridge is 2,493 feet long.
71. Charles Bridge
Located in: Prague, Czech Republic
Established: 1402
Cost: $1.9-$2.6 million* (Repair Costs)
Located in Prague, the Charles Bridge’s official name is Karluv most. The Charles Bridge’s construction began in 1357 at the direction of King Charles IV, after whom the bridge is named. It was finished in 1402, replacing the Judith Bridge, which was constructed in 1158 and had been destroyed in a flood in the mid-1300s.
Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic ©TTstudio / Shutterstock
The Charles Bridge crossed the river Vltava. It connected Prague Castle to Prague’s Old Town, and it was the only means of crossing the Vltava until 1841, making the bridge a vital lifeline. The Charles Bridge measures 1,692 feet and clears 43 feet. It is currently undergoing renovations and repairs that are expected to cost $1.9-$2.6 million.
72. Tilikum Crossing
Located in: Portland, Oregon
Established: 2015
Cost: $134.6 million*
Named the Bridge of the People, the Tilikum Crossing is a cable-stayed bridge that crosses Portland, Oregon’s Willamette River. Designed by TriMet for the MAX Orange Line light rail passenger trains, the Tilikum has five spans and two piers. The name “Tilikum” comes from the Chinook name for “People.”
Tilikum Crossing @ohsuoms / Twitter.com
The Tilikum Crossing’s construction began in 2011. It opened in 2015. It was the first major American bridge to allow transit vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, but no cars (save for emergency vehicles. Not only did it make that milestone, it was also the new bridge to cross the Willamette since 1973. The bridge’s main architect is Donald MacDonald.
73. Hangzhou Bay Bridge
Located in: Hangzhou Bay, China
Established: 2007
Cost: $1.88 billion*
The Hangzhou Bay Bridge is a 22.2-mile-long cable-stayed highway bridge with two separate sections (both cable-stayed). The bridge is among the longest trans-oceanic bridges in the world. The Hangzhou crosses the Hangzhou Bay, connecting Ningbo and Jiaxing in the Zhejiang Province.
Hangzhou Bay Bridge @Ork3Zx / Twitter.com
The Hangzhou Bay Bridge’s construction began in 2003 and ended in 2007. Though the bridge was opened in 2007, it underwent a year of testing before the public was allowed to travel on it. The Hangzhou Bay Bridge, in addition to being one of the longest bridges on this list, is also one of the most expensive, costing nearly $2 billion to complete.
74. Lupu Bridge
Located in: Shanghai, China
Established: 2003
Cost: $427.38 million*
The Lupu Bridge is named after China’s Luwan District and located in Shanghai, China. It crosses the Huangpu River. The Lupu is the second-longest steel arch bridge in the world, following Chongqing’s Chaotianmen Bridge. The Lupu measures 2,461 in total, with its longest span stretching 1,804 feet.
Lupu Bridge ©atiger / Shutterstock
The Lupu cost nearly half a billion dollars to complete. The main steel structure by itself cost around $80 million. The Lupu Bridge was the 2010 Expo’s centerpiece when the Expo 2010 took place in Shanghai. The Lupu was intended to ease congestion between Puxi, a quickly-developing area in southern China, and to cope with the traffic Expo 2010 would bring in. It opened to the public on June 27, 2003.
75. Humber Bridge, United Kingdom
Located in: East Yorkshire, England
Established: 1981
Cost: $151 million*
The Humber Bridge, once the world’s longest single-span suspension bridge, is a marvel of modern engineering that links the North and South banks of the Humber Estuary in the United Kingdom. Opened in 1981 at a cost of $125 million, its construction not only broke records but also significantly boosted local tourism and economy by improving connectivity.
Humber Bridge, United Kingdom ©Andy/stock.adobe.com
Investing in this architectural giant was a strategic move that transformed regional infrastructure. Fun fact: it held the record for the world’s longest span for 17 years, making it a magnet for visitors and a proud emblem of British engineering prowess.
76. The Padma Bridge, Bangladesh
Located in: Across the Padma River, Bangladesh
Established: 2022
Cost: $3.6 billion*
Connecting the southwest of the country to the northern and eastern regions, the Padma Bridge is a symbol of national pride and a critical infrastructure project for Bangladesh. Completed in 2022 at a cost of $3.6 billion, this self-financed megaproject is not just a bridge but a lifeline, stimulating economic development, improving logistics, and reducing travel time.
The Padma Bridge, Bangladesh ©Zakir Hossain/stock.adobe.com
Its construction faced challenges from the very start, yet it stands today as a testament to Bangladesh’s resilience and self-reliance. The bridge promises to boost tourism, inviting visitors to explore the rich cultural tapestry and scenic beauty of Bangladesh like never before.
77. Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link, Denmark-Germany
Located in: Between the Danish island of Lolland and the German island of Fehmarn
Established: 2027
Cost: $8.3 billion*
Projected to be the world’s longest immersed tunnel, the Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link is an ambitious undertaking that symbolizes European unity and engineering prowess. With an estimated cost of $8.3 billion, this tunnel, upon its completion in 2027, will revolutionize travel between Denmark and Germany.
Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link, Denmark-Germany ©OliverFoerstner/stock.adobe.com
It will not only enhance trade and mobility within the region but also become a significant tourist attraction, showcasing the marvels of modern construction. The project underscores the importance of investing in infrastructure that bridges nations, fosters economic growth, and creates a seamless journey through the heart of Europe.
78. Beipanjiang Bridge, China
Located in: Between Yunnan and Guizhou, China
Established: 2016
Cost: $144 million*
Perched above the Beipan River and connecting the mountainous provinces of Yunnan and Guizhou, the Beipanjiang Bridge, completed in 2016 at a cost of $144 million, is one of the world’s highest bridges. This architectural marvel not only significantly reduces travel time but also stands as a testament to China’s advances in engineering and infrastructure investment.
Beipanjiang Bridge, China ©ShakyIsles/Wikimedia Commons
Its breathtaking height attracts thrill-seekers and tourists from around the globe, making it a unique point of interest. The bridge symbolizes the potential of human ingenuity to overcome natural barriers, enhancing connectivity and fostering regional development in previously isolated areas.
79. Alamillo Bridge, Spain
Located in: Seville, Andalusia, Spain
Established: 1992
Cost: $20 million*
The Alamillo Bridge in Seville, designed by the renowned architect Santiago Calatrava and established in 1992, is more than a means of crossing; it’s a piece of sculptural art. This cable-stayed bridge, with its distinctive asymmetric pylon, serves as a gateway to the city and a testament to innovative design blending functionality with aesthetic allure.
Alamillo Bridge, Spain ©Tomasz Warszewski/stock.adobe.com
It was built without the need for backstays, a feat of engineering that still captivates students and professionals. The bridge not only facilitates transportation but also attracts visitors for its architectural beauty, contributing to Seville’s cultural and economic vitality.
80. Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, China
Located in: Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China
Established: 2016
Cost: $3.4 million*
Suspended over the breathtaking Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, inaugurated in 2016 with a modest investment of $3.4 million, redefined architectural ambition. This bridge is not only the world’s longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge but also a marvel that offers an adrenaline-pumping walk above a stunning natural landscape.
Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, China ©u photostock/stock.adobe.com
It has rapidly become a global tourist magnet, drawing visitors eager to experience its thrilling transparency and unparalleled views. The bridge’s construction showcases the potential for integrating modern engineering with natural wonders, creating a unique blend of thrill and beauty that boosts local tourism and international curiosity.