3. China’s Sidu River Bridge
Found in: Yesanguan, China’s Badong County, Hubei
Founded in 2009
Price: $100 million
The Sidu River Bridge, commonly referred to as “Siduhe,” is an astounding 4,009 feet long. It is three thousand feet at its longest span. The terrifying pictures show that the clearance below is 1,627 feet. The Yangtze River and the Sidu River combine to produce the Three Gorges, where the Sidu River is crossed.
Sidu River Bridge, China, Pinterest, and @atlasobscura
Constructed in 2009, the bridge has an expense comparable to a high-end Disney or Universal film. Not only is it one of the most costly bridges globally, but it also has the highest clearance, only surpassed by the 1,854-foot-tall Duge Bridge (completed in 2016).
The constructors (CCCC Second Highway Consultants) had to utilize a rocket to deploy the first suspension cable. Conditions imposed by the bridge made it impossible for builders to use what they typically would—helicopters or boats. Nevertheless, the rockets were successful in saving money and time. In a single day, they completed the installation.