Do you want to know which are the longest bridges on Earth? This article will highlight the longest bridges in the world as of 2024, focusing on structural wonders that connect remote places and symbolize technological progress.
Bridges are wonderful engineering accomplishments that connect remote areas and surmount natural barriers, playing a crucial role in transportation systems. Some of the longest bridges in the world testify to human ingenuity and technological progress, representing both development and connectivity. In 2024, these ten bridges will continue to be recognized worldwide due to their extraordinary lengths and unique construction designs.
Before we explore the longest bridges in the world, let’s look at some of the oldest. One of the earliest known bridges is the Arkadiko Bridge, considered the first in human history. It is an arch bridge made of stone situated in Greece’s Peloponnese region.
The Arkadiko Bridge was once part of a military highway that connected two cities: Tiryns and Epidaurus. It formed part of a larger Hellenic road network system. Its elaborate design and alignment with the road indicate that it was meant for chariots. Amazingly, even after three millennia, this bridge continues to be used by locals.
1. Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge
Architect/Designer: China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC)
Year Completed: 2010
Length: 164.8 km
Location: Between Shanghai and Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
The Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge, located between Shanghai and Nanjing in Jiangsu Province, is the longest in the world, measuring 164.8 kilometers long in linear distance.
The Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway features this bridge, which took off in June 2011 at about $8.5 billion. Its average height above ground level is 100 meters. The firm China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), a subsidiary of the China Communications Construction Company, executed its design and construction.
The Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge has two main sections: the Danyang section, which measures 52.4 kilometers in length, and the Kunshan section, which spans 112.4 kilometers. It also crosses more than 150 river channels that are deeper than 20 meters, rice-growing regions, lakes, hilly areas, and various other important towns and cities.
This bridge crossed different-sized channels and rivers. It was built using a blend of cable-stayed bridges and structural beam types, as well as prefabricated segments at its top.
2. Changhua-Kaohsiung Viaduct
Architect/Designer: Taiwan High-Speed Rail Corporation (THSRC) with Toshiba, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Year Completed: 2007
Length: 157.3 km
Location: Taiwan
In Taiwan’s High-Speed Rail system, the Chang-hua–Kao-hsiung Viaduct is located and was finished in 2007. This structure has a distance of 157.3 km from Zouying of Kao-hsiung to Baguashan of Chang-hua County as its length.
The Changhua-Kaohsiung Viaduct, part of the Taiwan High-Speed Rail, was designed by a team led by the Taiwan High-Speed Rail Corporation (THSRC) in collaboration with international engineering firms like Toshiba, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Both the bridge and the train line were designed to minimize earthquake damage, as the area is known for its seismic events.
The bridge does not have an owner or one that was designed by itself. It required a lot of efforts from Japanese and Taiwanese engineers together with their respective companies to achieve this remarkable structure. The bridge is mainly made of precast concrete segments that are prepared in factories and assembled later. This approach enabled the construction to be completed faster without sacrificing quality and accuracy.
3. Tianjin Grand Bridge
Architect/Designer: China Railway Group Limited
Year Completed: 2011
Length: 113.7 km
Location: Between Langfang and Qingxian, China
Tianjin Grand Bridge, a railway viaduct on the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway, is 113.7 km long and located between Langfang and Qingxian. It was built in 2011 and is currently the third-longest bridge globally.
Conducted by the China Railway Group Limited along with some of its affiliate companies, the Tianjin Grand Bridge in China was designed and constructed. In order to ensure that this was one of the longest bridges in the world, many engineers, architects and construction companies from China worked together on the project.
Like other long bridges in China, the Tianjin Grand Bridge was designed using precast concrete segments. Additionally, the bridge includes design features to enhance its earthquake resilience. These include flexible joints and the use of materials and construction techniques that help absorb and dissipate seismic energy.
4. Cangde Grand Bridge
Architect/Designer: China Railways Group Limited (CREC)
Year Completed: 2010
Length: 105.81 km
Location: Part of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway, China
Cangde Grand Bridge is the fourth longest bridge globally. Completed in 2010, it forms an integral part of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway. It is 105.81 km long and supported by 3092 piers.
Constructed and designed by China Railways Group Limited (CREC) and its affiliates, the Cangde Grand Bridge was built in collaboration with a large group of Chinese engineers, architects,, and civil engineering experts. The goal was to create a bridge that would withstand the requirements of high-speed rail networks.
The bridge was constructed using precast concrete segments. These segments were manufactured off-site, under controlled conditions, before they were transported to the site for assembly.
5. Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge
Architect/Designer: China Railway Group Limited (CREC)
Year Completed: 2008
Length: 79.732 km
Location: China
The Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge, which has a total length of about 79.732 kilometers and was opened in 2008, was built and developed by China Railway Group Limited (CREC), along with several other engineering and construction companies.
The bridge’s materials were precast concrete segments, which were manufactured at another site and then assembled. It was also designed to accommodate various kinds of soils and ground instability that might occur within the region. One of its major purposes is to ensure stability so that no settlements and shifts occur.
6. The Bang Na Expressway
Architect/Designer: Louis Berger
Year Completed: 2000
Length: 54 km
Location: Thailand
Sixth-ranking among the world’s longest bridges is the Bang Na Expressway, located in Thailand. It is about 54 kilometers long. Besides covering a large dry land area, this railway viaduct also goes across a river. Constructed by Louis Berger in 1994, it was finalized in 2000. While it was completed in 2000, until 2004, it stood as the longest bridge on earth.
The reinforced concrete used to construct the highway ensures its strength and long-lasting nature, which allows it to withstand heavy traffic. In terms of traffic volumes, it was designed to handle a lot of passenger vehicles and trucks, thus employing efficient traffic management systems to minimize congestion as well.
7. Beijing Grand Bridge
Architect/Designer: China Railway Group Limited (CREC)
Year Completed: 2010
Length: 48.2 km
Location: Part of the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway, China
The Beijing Grand Bridge is located in China and is a member of the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway. It stretches for about 48.2 kilometers and was designed and built by China Railway Group Limited (CREC) and its affiliated groups.
8. Metro Manila Skyway System
Architect/Designer: C.P. Yang Construction and Development Corp.
Year Completed: Phased from 2002 to 2015
Length: 32 km
Location: Metro Manila, Philippines
The Metro Manila Skyway System in the Philippines is a major elevated highway designed to improve traffic flow in Metro Manila. The construction of the Metro Manila Skyway System began in phases, with the first phase completed in 2002. Subsequent phases were completed between 2005 and 2015.
The Skyway System extends approximately 32 kilometers, with several segments linking major places within Metro Manila. The Metro Manila Skyway was designed by the engineering firm C.P. Yang Construction and Development Corp. in collaboration with other local and international engineering consultants.
Reinforced concrete is the material used in the construction of Skyway, giving it strength and durability that will withstand heavy traffic and environmental effects. It has been constructed as a toll road with electronic collection systems for effortless vehicle movement and less waiting time at toll booths.
9. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
Architect/Designer: Hoffman & Henon; Walter J. Keller, Inc.
Year Completed: Northern bridge in 1956, Southern bridge in 1969
Length: 38.4 km (Northern), 38.7 km (Southern)
Location: Louisiana, USA
Mandeville and Metairie are connected by this causeway, located in Louisiana, United States; contrary to other parts of the world, it is the only bridge outside Asia in any rank.
Two bridges run parallel to each other, joining both sides of Lake Pontchartrain. The one finished in 1956 is 38,400 meters long, while its counterpart, built in 1969, measures 15 meters longer and facilitates southbound traffic towards Metairie. The northern part of the bridge has a movable section for large vessels’ passage.
The Pontchartrain Causeway was Hoffman & Henon’s brainchild, with Walter J. Keller, Inc. handling its construction project. It was a collaborative effort that involved engineers and related professionals designing and building both bridges.
The northern portion of the bridge has a pivotable draw-bridge structure which permits the transit of bulky vessels and vessels. This design quality considers sea traffic and is an important aspect for sustaining navigational entry.
10. Wuhan Metro Bridge
Architect/Designer: CREC and CSCEC
Year Completed: 2004
Length: 37.788 km
Location: Wuhan, China
Wuhan Metro Bridge, the world’s tenth-longest bridge, is located in Wuhan, China. With a span of 37,788 meters, it makes up the whole of Line 1 of the city’s subway network, earning it the title of longest continuous viaduct in the globe. After its completion in 2004, Wuhan Metro Bridge made Wuhan the fifth Chinese city to have an underground rail system.
The Wuhan Metro Bridge was designed collectively by CREC ( China Railway Group Limited ) and CSCEC (China State Construction Engineering Corporation). Its purpose is entirely to support line one rail transit in Wuhan city, which was meant to carry a heavy train on it, thereby meeting its mass transport requirements.
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