Where is the Longest Bridge in the World?

Governments across the world have invested heavily in the construction of bridges. Bridges are needed to traverse waterways, highways, gorges, and more. In addition, bridges have made it possible for rail and road to connect major industrial hubs across mountainous and populated regions, which as a result shortens travel times and improves economies. The longest bridge in the world is the 164,800-meter long Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge in China.

1. The Danyang- Kunshan Grand Bridge - 164,800 Meters  

The Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge in China is 164,800 meters long, making it the longest bridge in the world. The bridge also has an average height of 100 miles from the ground up. The bridge took four years to be completed and used a workforce of over 10,000 people. The total cost of its construction was 8.5 billion US dollars. Construction work ended on November 15, 2010, followed by the grand opening in June 2011.

The Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge is located in Jiangsu province between Shanghai and Nanjing. The bridge crosses Yangcheng Lake in Suzhou, covering 5.6 miles over the open water. The section lies on top of over 2,000 strong pillars, steel cables and over 450,000 tons of robustly constructed steel structure that can withstand tsunamis, typhoons, and earthquakes. The bridge is constructed on a lowland terrain along the Yangtze River Delta, an area characterized by rice paddies, lakes, and rivers. The Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge cuts across the populated centers of Changzhou, Danyang, Suzhou Wuxi, and Kunshan.

2. Changhua-Koahsiung Viaduct - 157,317 Meters

The Changhua-Kaohsiung Viaduct in Taiwan is the second longest bridge in the world, spanning a distance of 157,317 meters. This bridge, which connects Baguashan in Changhua County to Zuoying in Kaohsiung, was completed in 2007. The bridge is designed to withstand earthquakes, which is important because it is located along a fault line.

3. Cangde Grand Bridge - 115,900 Meters 

The Cangde Grand Bridge comprises a portion of the high-speed railway that connects Beijing to Shanghai. The bridge is 115,900 meters long, which makes it the third longest bridge in the world. The super-long bridge has the strength to withstand earthquakes due the construction techniques employed and the 3092 pliers used.

4. Tianjin Grand Bridge - 113,700 Meters

The Tianjin Grand Bridge is 113,700 meters long. The viaduct bridge connects Langfang to Qingxian and is also part of the Beijing- Shanghai high-speed railway. The bridge was completed in 2010. The unique design of an elevated track was chosen in order to save on land space. 

5. Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge - 79,732 Meters

The Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge is a 79,732 meter-long bridge that was completed in 2008. It forms part of the high-speed railway which links Xi’an to Zhengzhou in China. The bridge crosses several rivers, including the Wei River, as well as railways and highways.