Top 10 Longest Bridges Worldwide: Engineering Marvels and Locations
While many envision record-breaking bridges as dramatic sea crossings suspended over deep waters, the reality is that most of the longest bridges on Earth are actually high-speed rail viaducts constructed across flat floodplains, agricultural land, and marshes. Over the past two decades, rapid global infrastructure expansion has fundamentally transformed bridge rankings, with massive, continuous viaduct systems now stretching well beyond 100 kilometers, redefining what qualifies as a “bridge.” Meanwhile, classic over-water crossings in the United States and sea bridges in Asia continue to hold prestigious records under specific classifications. Here is an in-depth look at 10 of the longest bridges in the world and their fascinating locations.
1. Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge in China
With an astonishing total length of 164.8 kilometers (102.4 miles), the Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge holds the title as the longest bridge in the world. This monumental structure forms a critical part of the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway, stretching across Jiangsu province to seamlessly connect Shanghai and Nanjing. The incredible viaduct runs over diverse landscapes including rice paddies, canals, lakes, and low-lying floodplains, with a remarkable 9-kilometer section even crossing Yangcheng Lake. Its elevated design ensures uninterrupted bullet train operations at speeds reaching 300 km/h, showcasing China's engineering prowess.
2. Changhua–Kaohsiung Viaduct in Taiwan
The Changhua-Kaohsiung Viaduct measures 157.3 kilometers (97.7 miles) in length and was inaugurated in 2007. This impressive viaduct constitutes a vital segment of the Taiwan High Speed Rail network, efficiently connecting Changhua County to Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan. It proudly stands as the longest bridge in Taiwan and the second-longest bridge globally. The viaduct enables high-speed trains to operate safely across densely populated western Taiwan while significantly reducing land acquisition challenges.
3. Cangde Grand Bridge in China
This 115.9-kilometer (72-mile) long viaduct represents another major engineering feat on the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway. The Cangde Grand Bridge crosses extensive floodplains in Hebei province, where its elevated design serves dual purposes: preventing disruption from seasonal flooding and maintaining smooth gradients essential for high-speed rail operations. It is one of several super-long bridges that collectively enable uninterrupted high-speed travel between China's two largest metropolitan centers.
4. Tianjin Grand Bridge in China
Stretching between Langfang and Qingxian near Tianjin, this 113.7-kilometer (70.6-mile) long bridge constitutes another massive segment of the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway. Similar to other bridges on this corridor, it was meticulously engineered to ensure minimal curvature and maximum operational stability for trains traveling at speeds exceeding 300 km/h. Its continuous elevated structure reduces the need for road crossings while improving long-term maintenance efficiency.
5. Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge in China
This 79.7-kilometer (49.5-mile) long bridge carries the Zhengzhou–Xi’an High-Speed Railway across the picturesque Wei River valley. Upon completion, it briefly held the prestigious title of the world's longest bridge before being surpassed by newer, more ambitious projects. The Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge crosses rivers, roads, and farmland, dramatically demonstrating China's large-scale approach to high-speed rail expansion during the late 2000s.
6. Bang Na Expressway in Thailand
With a total length of 54 kilometers (33.5 miles), the Bang Na Expressway in Thailand distinguishes itself from most bridges on this list. Unlike the rail viaducts, the Bang Na Expressway is an elevated road bridge strategically located in Bangkok. This six-lane highway stretches above National Highway 34 and, for several years, held the record as the longest bridge in the world. It has significantly eased congestion in the Bangkok metropolitan area and remains one of the longest elevated road structures globally.
7. Beijing Grand Bridge in China
Another extensive viaduct on the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway, this 48.2-kilometer (29.9-mile) long bridge exemplifies the extensive reliance on elevated structures to maintain consistent rail speeds while avoiding densely populated urban disruptions. Its design prioritizes operational efficiency and minimal environmental impact.
8. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in the United States
Located in Louisiana, this 38.4-kilometer (23.9-mile) long twin-span bridge majestically crosses Lake Pontchartrain, connecting Metairie and Mandeville. It holds the prestigious Guinness World Record for the longest continuous bridge over water (though classification depends on specific measurement criteria). For nearly half a century, it was widely recognized as the longest bridge in the world before Asian rail viaducts ultimately surpassed it.
9. Manchac Swamp Bridge in the United States
Part of Interstate 55 in Louisiana, this 36.7-kilometer (22.8-mile) long bridge traverses the challenging Manchac Swamp. Constructed over wetlands and open water, it stands as one of the longest bridges over swamp terrain worldwide. The bridge is sustained by thousands of concrete piles driven deep into the swampy soil, showcasing innovative engineering solutions for difficult environments.
10. Hangzhou Bay Bridge in China
This 35.7-kilometer (22.2-mile) long S-shaped sea bridge spans the formidable Hangzhou Bay, connecting Jiaxing and Ningbo in eastern China. The bridge has dramatically improved travel time between Shanghai and Ningbo. At the time of its construction, it was celebrated as the longest trans-oceanic bridge in the world. The bridge was specifically designed to resist typhoons, strong tidal currents, and corrosive marine environments, representing a triumph of maritime engineering.
These extraordinary bridges collectively demonstrate how modern engineering has pushed the boundaries of what's possible in infrastructure development. From China's massive rail networks to America's iconic causeways, these structures not only facilitate transportation but also stand as testaments to human ingenuity and technological advancement. As global infrastructure continues to evolve, these bridges will likely inspire even more ambitious projects in the coming decades.
