A concise overview of the world's five longest bridges

Bridges stand out as remarkable human achievements that span vast expanses of land and water and facilitate convenient travel and essential transportation of goods. Their origins can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia, gaining prominence as architectural marvels during the Roman Empire. Over time, advancements in materials and construction methods have led to longer and more ingenious bridge designs. Today, despite their monumental engineering feats, bridges are often overlooked in the hustle of daily life. Thus, it is easy for people to forget the transformative impact of bridges. In all, celebrating the world's longest bridges, let's explore the top 5, each with its rich history.

Danyang-Kunshan: 164 km

The Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge links Hangzhou and Nanjing in China and is part of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway. This 164 km bridge, completed in June 2011 at a cost of $8.5 billion and stands as the world's longest bridge, reducing travel time between these cities from four hours to one. Its construction was based on the need to withstand extreme weather conditions, earthquakes, and typhoons. With a clearance of approximately 492 feet, it is designed for ships to pass below it while its scenic routes through rice paddies and wetlands make it a tourist attraction.

Changhua-Kaohsiung Viaduct: 157.3 km

Forming part of the Taiwan High-Speed Railway, the Changhua-Kaohsiung Viaduct connects Baguashin in Changhua County to Zuoying, Kaohsiung in Taiwan. Completed in 2007, this impressive 157.3-km structure is the second longest bridge worldwide. It traverses diverse terrain, including water expanses, rural areas, and developed urban regions. Engineered to withstand seismic forces, the bridge allows trains to stop in the event of an earthquake, while it is designed to prevent damage in specific areas.

Cangde Grand: 116 km

Spanning an incredible 116 km, the Cangde Grand connects Beijing and Shanghai in China, forming a crucial part of the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway line. Completed in 2010, its unique design incorporates over 3 thousand pillars to support the bridge's weight and protect against seismic loading in the region.

Tianjin Grand: 113 km

Opened to the public in 2011, the Tianjin Grand Bridge connects Langfang and Qingxia in China, measuring 113 km and ranking as the fourth longest in the world. Constructed in 32 individual sections (that were joined into one colossal structure), this bridge supports fast-track trains on the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway, passing through densely populated areas.

Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge: 79 km

Ranking as the fifth longest bridge in the world, the Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge in China spans approximately 79 km. Completed in 2008 for road use and in 2010 for rail, it is a crucial component of the Zhengzhou-Xi’an High-Speed Railway network. The bridge crosses various rivers, including the Ling, Xi, Luofu, and Shi Di, and passes over the Wei River twice. While briefly holding the title of the world's longest bridge, it was later surpassed by others on this list during a period of rapid industrial expansion in China and Taiwan.