What were you told about bridges? Have you ever crossed or driven past one, and how did you feel about it? We’ll discuss the world’s most dangerous bridges in this blog post. But wait! Do you also believe that dangerous bridges exist, and it’s no exaggeration?

Having had an experience with crossing bridges (bad and good), I do not shy away from it when I need to share it. Hence, I will be sharing my experience with you. 

While growing up, I enjoyed crossing the bridge with my parents. It was indeed adventurous. And it felt so good that I always wanted to share my experiences with my friends at school whenever the opportunity arose.

The excitement continued until the day we (my parents and I) saw on the news that a certain bridge had collapsed and led to an accident that claimed so many lives. It was dreadful news. 

An acquaintance was involved, and that made me more afraid. And since then, it has changed my perspective on bridges. I understood that the world’s most dangerous bridges exist, and I feared crossing bridges from then henceforth.

I believe you might not know some of these dangerous bridges, which is why I will share with you the world’s most dangerous bridges that will take your breath away. These bridges will take your breath away. But we’ll be starting with the steepest bridge in the world. 

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What is the Steepest Bridge in the World?

The Eshima Ohashi Bridge, located in Sakaiminato, Tottori (a city in Chugoku, Japan) and maintained by the Sakaiminato Management Association, is the steepest in the world. The bridge joins Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, and Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture, above Nakaumi lake.

It was constructed from 1997 to 2004, with its total length being 1.7 km (1.1 mi), its width being 11.3 m (37 ft), its height being 44.7 m (147 ft), and the longest span is 250m (820 ft). Known as the third largest bridge in the world, the Eshima Ohashi Bridge is Japan’s third-largest rigid-frame bridge.

Due to the steep nature of the bridge, images of the bridge have spread like wildfire all over the internet. It has a 6.1% gradient on the Shimane side and a 5.1% gradient on the Tottori side. And the bridge serves as border security for the country.

What is the Longest Bridge in the World Across Water?

There has been speculation as to which bridge is the longest across the water (between Jiaozhou bay bridge and Lake Pontchartrain). Nevertheless, Guinness concluded, then it was divided into two separate categories— the longest bridge (aggregate) and the longest bridge (continuous). 

The Jiaozhou Bay Bridge was given the longest bridge (aggregate), while Lake Pontchartrain was given the longest bridge (continuous). Located in Louisiana, Lake Pontchartrain has a total length of 64 kilometers (in 1699). And the Jiaozhou Bay Bridge, situated in China, has a total length of 26.7km (in 2011).

If we compare both lengths, we can safely say that Lake Pontchartrain is the longest bridge in the world across the water. It’s crazy that someone put up these two bridges. However, their only difference is their length.

What is the Scariest Bridge in the World?

Many controversies arise when talks about the scariest bridge in the world are stirred up. However, many findings and reports have erected what they believe to be the world’s scariest bridge. 

Meanwhile, have you heard about the Hussaini Bridge? That bridge has planks and ropes worth 399 steps, which run from one end to the other. It is considered a dangerous bridge because it has wide steps and is shaky. However, experts say it is safe. 

Now, over to our major highlight— the ten most dangerous bridges in the world. Let’s delve in! 

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10 Most Dangerous Bridges of the World

You’ll be bewildered at the sight of these bridges. But wait, why were they even built? Who built them? Let’s look at the world’s most dangerous bridges that will take your breath away.

1. Vitim River Bridge, Russia

Kickstarting our list of the world’s most dangerous bridges, we have the Vitim River Bridge. This bridge is situated in Siberia, and only a few people have successfully crossed the bridge. In the winter, the Vitim River Bridge becomes more challenging to cross because the woods it is made of become ice sleek without haulage.

The Vitim River Bridge is not wide enough for a car to pass and doesn’t have railings. This makes it among the world’s most dangerous car bridges. People who successfully crossed this bridge created a Facebook page in honor of it.

2. Canopy Walk, Ghana

You will barely see canopy walks in Africa. However, the only available canopy walk is in Kakum National Park. This 1,150-foot-long canopy walk connects many treetops and serves as a tourist attraction by providing a good wildlife view. 

3. Hussaini Hanging Bridge, Pakistan

Having made it the scariest bridge in the world, the Hussaini Hanging Bridge is also considered one of the world’s most dangerous bridges that will take your breath away. This bridge is situated in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan at an altitude of 2,600m.

The Hussaini Hanging Bridge also crosses the Pakistan Borit Lake. Using wooden planks and ropes, the village occupants built the bridge on the Hunza River’s two sides. I’m pretty sure you don’t want to cross the Hussaini Bridge.

4. Quepos Bridge, Costa Rica

Also known as “The Bridge of Death,” the Quepos Bridge is considered among the world’s most dangerous car bridges. Looking at it, there’s every sign that this bridge could collapse at any time. However, hefty trucks drive across the bridge. But the bridge shakes each time they pass.

5. Suspension Bridge on the Trift Glacier, Switzerland

Presently, the bridge with the longest cables in the world, the Suspension Trift Bridge, lets you see the Trift glacier in all its magnificence. After the ice had lost height, it became impossible to cross the bridge. But this was replaced in 2009 with a safer one. It has a height of 170 meters at, 100 meters height higher than the glacier lake

6. Langkawi Sky Bridge. Kedah, Malaysia

Known as the longest curved bridge in the world, the Langkawi Sky Bridge is situated upon the Machinchang mountain in Malaysia. It was constructed in 2004 with a length of 125 m and 700m above sea level. 

This pedestrian bridge also requires the support of a crane to function properly. And this makes it among the world’s most dangerous bridges, which will take your breath away. But not to worry, the bridge was closed in January 2014 and is unlikely to open again.

7. Royal Gorge Bridge, Colorado, USA

Situated 955 feet above the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge Bridge was regarded as the world’s highest bridge until 2001. It has one of the most sensational scenes and is a tourist attraction (park, rides, and zoo). However, one piece of advice: don’t look down when approaching this bridge. It isn’t very comforting! Hence, it is one of the world’s most dangerous bridges and will take your breath away.

8. Millau Viaduct, France

Labeled as the highest bridge for a major road, the Millau Viaduct is considered part of the world’s most dangerous car bridges. It is 1,125 ft atop the Tarn Canyon and loftier than the Eiffel Tower. Holding the A7F motorway, the Millau Viaduct connects Paris to Montpellier. Meanwhile, if you have a phobia of heights, you might find it challenging to pass.

9. Capilano Suspension Bridge, Canada

The Capilano Suspension Bridge spans 70 meters above the rambling Capilano River. It is somewhat narrow without railings. Despite receiving approximately 1.2 million visitors annually, many high-profile deaths have occurred from the bridge. This also makes it among the most dangerous bridges in the world. In addition, the Capilano Suspension Bridge rises 137 meters above fantastic views of evergreen forests.

10. Hanging Bridge of Ghasa, Nepal

The Hanging Bridge of Ghasa, Nepal, is so colorful; however, it is unsafe. With a height of 443ft and a length of 1,128ft, this bridge was built for transporting animals (such as goats and donkeys). However, pedestrians still cross the bridge.

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Bottom Line

The world’s most dangerous bridges are not limited to the ones aforementioned. However, it doesn’t change the fact that the ones aforementioned are dangerous. And I’m pretty sure you’d like to visit one of them. But apply serious caution when you do, or better still, avoid them. 

You’ll be bewildered at the world’s most dangerous bridges. But have you ever thought about why they were built? Well, see some of the most dangerous car bridges here.

Frequently Asked Questions on World’s most dangerous bridges

Why are bridges built?

Bridges are built to provide a passage above valleys, bodies of water, caverns, or any other obstacle.

What type of bridge is the strongest and why?

The Arch Bridge. It is stronger than the Beam Bridge. The Arch Bridge presses weight outward towards the support. At the same time, the center point of the Beam Bridge is weak and has no vertical support.

What country has a glass bridge?

India has a glass bridge at Rajgir in the Nalanda district of Bihar.

Are glass bridges safe?

Glass bridges usually cause sudden cardiac death. They’re unsafe and cause safety hazards.

What is the fear of going over bridges called?

It is called Gephyrophobia. Gephyrophobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by the fear of bridges and tunnels. People who suffer from this phobia avoid taking routes that make them cross bridges.

References 

• metro.co.uk
• indiatimes.com
• inf.news
• worldscholarshipforum.com  
• en.m.wikipedia.org