81. Bandra-Worli Sea Link, India

Located in: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Established: 2009
Cost: $250 million*
The Bandra-Worli Sea Link, an engineering masterpiece spanning the Arabian Sea, has been a game-changer for Mumbai since its completion in 2009 at a cost of $250 million. This cable-stayed bridge, with its sleek, modern design, not only eases the notorious traffic congestion of the city but also stands as a symbol of India’s progress in infrastructure development.

Bandra-Worli Sea Link, India ©Mintu500px/Wikimedia Commons
Serving as a crucial link between Bandra and Worli, it cuts travel time significantly, fostering economic efficiency and improving the quality of life for millions. The bridge is also a scenic vantage point, offering mesmerizing views of the sea and skyline, making it a must-visit for tourists and locals alike.

82. The Tower Bridge, London, United Kingdom

Located in: London, England
Established: 1894
Cost: $145 million* (after inflation)
Tower Bridge, an architectural marvel spanning 244 meters across the River Thames, has stood as a symbol of London since 1894. This iconic bascule and suspension bridge combines functionality with aesthetic splendor, featuring two majestic towers connected by high-level walkways.

The Tower Bridge, London, United Kingdom ©User:Colin / Wikimedia Commons
Beyond its practical role in facilitating traffic and river passage, Tower Bridge captivates millions with its Victorian Gothic design and panoramic views of London. It hosts exhibitions and offers a unique glimpse into the city’s engineering and historical legacy, reinforcing its status as a must-visit landmark for tourists worldwide.

83. The Bridge of Sighs, Italy

Located in: Venice, Veneto, Italy
Established: 1600
Cost: Unknown
Spanning just 11 meters over the Rio di Palazzo, the Bridge of Sighs in Venice is a masterpiece of baroque architecture, built in the early 17th century. More than its length, the bridge is famous for its romantic and melancholic allure, connecting the Doge’s Palace to the old prisons.

The Bridge of Sighs, Italy ©Didier Descouens/Wikimedia Commons
Legend says prisoners would sigh at their final view of Venice through the bridge’s windows, hence its name. Today, it enchants visitors not just with its storied past and architectural beauty but also as a symbol of love and longing, making it an iconic part of Venice’s historic heart.

84. Francisco de Paula Santander Bridge, Colombia-Venezuela

Located in: Cúcuta, Colombia, and Ureña, Venezuela
Established: 1960s
Cost: $32 million*
Connecting Cúcuta, Colombia, with Ureña, Venezuela, the Francisco de Paula Santander Bridge stands as a vital link across the Táchira River, established in the 1960s at a cost of $32 million. This bridge, stretching over a modest length, is more than just a physical structure; it symbolizes the enduring ties and complex relationships between the two nations.

Francisco del Paula Santander Bridge, Colombia-Venezuela @Google/Pinterest
Serving as a key commercial and cultural conduit, it facilitates the daily flow of people and goods. Despite its practical role, the bridge also bears witness to the geopolitical dynamics in the region, making it a point of interest for visitors keen on understanding the broader narrative of South American unity and division.

85. Sunshine Skyway Bridge, USA

Located in: Tampa Bay, Florida, USA
Established: 1987
Cost: $244 million*
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge, with its 6.7 kilometers span over Tampa Bay, Florida, is a marvel of modern engineering and architectural beauty. Established in 1987 at a cost of $244 million, this cable-stayed bridge is renowned for its graceful lines and the striking yellow color of its support cables, which stand out against the blue Florida skies.

Sunshine Skyway Bridge, USA ©bilanol/stock.adobe.com
Not only does it offer a crucial transport link, reducing travel times significantly, but it has also become a beloved landmark and a popular subject for photographers and tourists alike. The bridge’s design ensures resilience against storms, embodying a blend of functionality, safety, and aesthetic appeal.

86. Queensferry Crossing, Scotland, United Kingdom

Located in: Firth of Forth, Scotland
Established: 2017
Cost: $1.55 billion*
The Queensferry Crossing, gracefully spanning the Firth of Forth in Scotland, is a testament to contemporary bridge design and engineering. Established in 2017 at a cost of $1.55 billion, this cable-stayed bridge extends 2.7 kilometers, making it one of the longest of its kind in the world.

Queensferry Crossing, Scotland, United Kingdom ©JulietPhotography/stock.aodobe.com
It not only serves as a vital transportation artery, complementing its historic neighbors, the Forth Road Bridge and Forth Bridge, but also stands as an icon of modern Scotland. The bridge’s resilience to harsh weather conditions ensures reliable passage, while its striking silhouette has become a magnet for tourists, offering breathtaking views of one of Scotland’s most historic landscapes.

87. Normandy Bridge, France

Located in: Normandy, France
Established: 1995
Cost: $273 million*
The Normandy Bridge, or Pont de Normandie, spans the Seine River, connecting Le Havre to Honfleur in Normandy, France. Since its completion in 1995 at a cost of $273 million, this cable-stayed bridge has been celebrated for its elegant design and engineering prowess.

Normandy Bridge, France ©olrat/stock.adobe.com
Stretching 2.14 kilometers, it was the world’s longest cable-stayed bridge at the time of its opening, showcasing France’s commitment to innovative infrastructure. The bridge not only significantly reduces travel time across the Seine but also attracts visitors with its architectural beauty, offering panoramic views of Normandy’s picturesque landscapes.

88. Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Japan

Located in: Kobe and Awaji Island, Japan
Established: 1998
Cost: $3.6 billion*
The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, connecting Kobe to Awaji Island in Japan, is a marvel of engineering and aesthetic design. Completed in 1998 at a cost of $3.6 billion, this suspension bridge spans 3,911 meters, making it the longest of its kind in the world.

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Japan ©leungchopan/stock.adobe.com
Its construction not only addressed the critical need for a reliable transportation route, resistant to severe weather and earthquakes, but also became a symbol of Japan’s resilience and technological advancement. The bridge attracts visitors from across the globe, making it a significant contributor to tourism and a proud landmark of Japanese infrastructure.

89. Mackinac Bridge, USA

Located in: Michigan, USA
Established: 1957
Cost: $100 million*
The Mackinac Bridge, affectionately known as “Mighty Mac,” connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas over the Straits of Mackinac. Completed in 1957 at a cost of $100 million, this suspension bridge spans an impressive 8,038 meters (5 miles), making it one of the longest in the world.

Mackinac Bridge, USA ©Justin Billau/Wikimedia Commons
It’s not just a critical transportation link; it’s a symbol of ingenuity and determination, overcoming the challenges posed by the straits’ harsh weather conditions. The Mackinac Bridge has become an iconic landmark, drawing tourists for its majestic views and engineering marvel.

90. The Great Belt Bridge, Denmark

Located in: Between the Danish islands of Zealand and Funen
Established: 1998 (East bridge), 1997 (West bridge)
Cost: $3 billion*
Known affectionately as the “Storebælt Bridge,” this marvel of modern engineering connects the Danish islands of Zealand and Funen. Comprising two bridges – the East bridge, completed in 1998, and the West bridge, finished in 1997 – and a tunnel, the project’s total cost was around $3 billion.

The Great Belt Bridge, Denmark ©Henrik Sendelbach/Wikimedia Commons
The East bridge, a suspension bridge, holds the title of the third longest in the world, with a free span of 1,624 meters. It’s not just a crucial transportation link; it’s also a stunning architectural achievement that has boosted Danish national pride and tourism. The bridge dramatically reduces travel time across the country, symbolizing Denmark’s commitment to connectivity and infrastructure.

91. The Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge, China

Located in: Across the Yangtze River Delta, Jiangsu, China
Established: 2011
Cost: $8.5 billion*
The Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge, part of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway, spans an impressive 164.8 kilometers, making it the world’s longest bridge. Completed in 2011 at a cost of $8.5 billion, this engineering feat traverses the Yangtze River Delta, enhancing connectivity and economic development across the region. Known as the “Dragon Bridge,” it reflects China’s rapid advancements in infrastructure and technology.
The Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge, China ©Highway Engineering Discoveries/Facebook
During its construction, the project faced enormous challenges, including the need to avoid disrupting the natural and urban environments it passes through. Today, it’s not just a critical component of China’s transportation network but also a symbol of the country’s ability to achieve monumental engineering tasks.

92. Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, Turkey

Located in: Istanbul, Turkey
Established: 2016
Cost: $3 billion*
Spanning the Bosphorus strait in Istanbul, the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, completed in 2016 at a cost of $3 billion, is more than a bridge; it’s a marvel of engineering and a new symbol of Turkey’s storied capital. Known as the “Third Bosphorus Bridge,” it stands out with a main span of 1,408 meters, making it one of the longest of its type in the world.

Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, Turkey ©Ezzeldin.Elbaksawy/Wikimedia Commons
This bridge not only alleviates traffic congestion but also serves as a critical part of the Northern Marmara Motorway, enhancing the city’s logistics and connectivity, capturing the essence of modern Turkey’s ambitions and its pivotal role in bridging Europe and Asia.

93. Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, USA

Located in: Virginia, USA
Established: 1964 (original), with expansions in 1999 and ongoing projects
Cost: Original construction $200 million, 1999 expansion $197 million, with additional costs for ongoing expansions*
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, a feat of engineering that first opened in 1964, stretches across the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, linking Virginia’s Eastern and Western shores.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, USA ©jayyuan/stock.adobe.com
With an original construction cost of $200 million and a significant expansion in 1999 costing $197 million, this complex has seen further investments to enhance its capacity and safety. Known as one of the “Seven Engineering Wonders of the Modern World,” it combines 37 kilometers of trestle, tunnels, bridges, and islands, offering an unparalleled driving experience.

94. Bosphorus Bridge, Turkey

Located in: Istanbul, Turkey
Established: 1973
Cost: $200 million*
The Bosphorus Bridge, an emblem of Istanbul, gracefully arches over the Bosphorus Strait, connecting the continents of Europe and Asia since 1973. Built at a cost of $200 million, this suspension bridge not only serves as a vital transportation artery but also symbolizes the city’s unique position at the crossroads of two continents.

Bosphorus Bridge, Turkey ©resul/stock.adobe.com
Also known as the “15 July Martyrs Bridge,” following the events of the attempted coup in 2016, it carries a heavy historical and cultural significance, embodying the spirit of resilience and unity of the Turkish people.