Top 25 Longest Suspension Bridges In The World

As far as architectural wonders are concerned, suspension bridges are perhaps some of the most incredible. Over the years, the world’s greatest nations raced to create longer and longer suspension bridges that would challenge the limits of architecture and human ingenuity, which is why the world is filled with these masterpieces presently. If you would like to learn a bit about the whereabouts and histories of the world’s longest suspension bridges, then you’ll be glad to know that we decided to create a list for this very subject. These bridges are measured and ranked according to their longest main span. Here is our top 25 regarding the longest suspension bridges in the world.

Forth Road Bridge

Forth Road Bridge - Top Longest Suspension Bridges In The WorldAs one of the longest and most incredible bridges in Scotland, Forth Road Bridge links the country’s capital of Edinburgh to the historic county of Fife in North Queensferry. With a total length of 8,241 feet and the longest span of 3,301 feet, this bridge was opened in 1964 and carries motorized vehicles as well as pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge is a very important part of east central Scotland and carries around 65,000 vehicles per day. ( Location on Google Maps )

Ponte 25 de Abril

Ponte 25 de Abril - Top Longest Suspension Bridges In The WorldThis outstanding bridge can be found in Portugal, and it connects the renowned capital of Lisbon to the Almada municipality across the Tagus River. Boasting a length of 7,470 feet as well as a maximum span of 3,320 feet, this bridge was opened for the first time in 1966 and was constructed by the American Bridge Company. With a daily traffic of about 150,000 cars and 150 trains, this bridge flaunts 6 car lanes and 2 railway tracks. ( Location on Google Maps )

Second and Third Kurushima-Kaikyō Bridge

Second and Third Kurushima-Kaikyō Bridge - Top Longest Suspension Bridges In The WorldThe incredible Kurushima-Kaikyō Bridge suspension bridge links Ōshima Island to Shikoku across the Seto Inland Sea. With a total length of 13,173 feet, this bridge is undoubtedly one of the longest of its kind in the world. As part of the Honshū-Shikoku Bridge Project, the Kurushima-Kaikyō Bridge was built in 1999 and features 4 roadway lanes as well as a lane for bicycles or pedestrians and one for mopeds. This bridge comprises 3 consecutive suspension bridges and a total of 6 towers. The main span of the second bridge is 3,346 feet, while the third is a bit longer with a span of 3,379 feet. ( Location on Google Maps )

George Washington Bridge

George Washington Bridge - Top Longest Suspension Bridges In The WorldThis double-decked suspension bridge that spans the Hudson River is one of the most incredible bridges in New York City and in the USA. The George Washington Bridge links Washington Heights to Fort Lee and is widely known as the world’s busiest motor vehicle bridge. With a total length of 4,760 feet and a longest span of 3,500 feet, this bridge was opened on its upper level in 1931 and on its lower level in 1962. It is estimated that around 270,000 cars cross the George Washington Bridge on a daily basis. ( Location on Google Maps )

Bosphorus Bridge

Bosphorus Bridge - Top Longest Suspension Bridges In The WorldAs one of the 2 incredible bridges that span the Bosphorus trait, the Bosphorus Bridge or the First Bridge actually links the continents of Europe and Asia. More specifically, the Bosphorus Bridge links Ortaköy to Beylerbeyi from Europe to Asia, and it boasts a length of 5,118 feet. Opened on October 30, 1973, this bridge was sketched out by William Brown and Sir Gilbert Roberts and was built using steel. Its daily traffic is estimated at around 200,000 vehicles. ( Location on Google Maps )

Ma’anshan Bridge

Ma’anshan Bridge - Top Longest Suspension Bridges In The WorldBuilt over the Yangtze River of China in 2013, the Ma’anshan Bridge is one of the newest bridges on our list and also one of the most impressive. This landmark can be found in Ma’anshan, Anhui, China and links with the Taizhou Bridge in order to form a maximum span of 3,543 feet. The total length of this massive suspension bridge adds up to 6.8 miles. ( Location on Google Maps )

Taizhou Bridge

Taizhou Bridge - Top Longest Suspension Bridges In The WorldThe Taizhou Bridge links with the aforementioned Ma’anshan Bridge in order to form a spectacular maximum span of 3,543 feet across the Yangtze River. This inspiring masterpiece of architecture was opened on November 25, 2012 and boasts a total length of 9,650 feet, a height of 630 feet and a width of 114 feet. In 2013, the Taizhou Bridge’s extraordinary design won the prestigious Institution of Structural Engineers Supreme Award. ( Location on Google Maps )

Baling River Bridge

Baling River Bridge - Top Longest Suspension Bridges In The WorldThe Guizhou Province in China, more specifically Guanling County, is home to the extraordinary Baling River Bridge, which spans across the gorgeous Baling River Valley ever since it was opened in 2009. This masterpiece of engineering boasts a length of 7,339 feet and a height of 671 feet, while its longest span is no less than 3,570 feet. Due to its incredible height, this bridge was the host of the China Bridge Parachuting International Challenge in 2012. ( Location on Google Maps )

Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge

Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge - Top Longest Suspension Bridges In The WorldThe Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge is also commonly known as the Second Bosphorus Bridge and was completed in 1988. When it was finalized, this bridge was officially the longest of its kind in the world, but as the years passed, it was gradually surpassed by several other similar structures. Nonetheless, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge is still a remarkable tribute to the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror that impresses with an imposing length of 4,950 feet and height of 344 feet. ( Location on Google Maps )

Minami Bisan-Seto Bridge

Minami Bisan-Seto Bridge - Top Longest Suspension Bridges In The WorldBoasting an impressive length of 5,407 feet as well as a maximum span of 3,609 feet, the Minami Bisan-Seto Bridge represents the southernmost section of the massive Great Seto Bridge and is set at an altitude of 305 feet. The bridge connects Yoshima Island and Sakaide in Bannosu and is crossed by a staggering number of vehicles and trains each and every day. ( Location on Google Maps )

Huangpu Bridge

Huangpu Bridge - Top Longest Suspension Bridges In The WorldThe extraordinary Huangpu Bridge stretches across the Pearl River in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China and was opened for the first time in 2008. Measuring 23,018 feet in length, the Huangpu Bridge also impresses with a height of 659 feet and flaunts a cable-stayed bridge and suspension construction. This exceptional landmark is known for carrying the traffic of the G4W Guangzhou–Macau Expressway on its 8 lanes. ( Location on Google Maps )

Mackinac Bridge

Mackinac Bridge with swnas swimming in the straits, June 2006The Mackinac Bridge is purely spectacular! Thanks to its generous length of 26,372 feet, this exceptional suspension bridge boasts with a maximum span of 3,800 feet and is widely famous for linking the Upper and Lower peninsulas of Michigan in the US. With a heritage that dates back to 1957, this is one of the oldest and most incredible bridges in the US and is currently being maintained by the Mackinac Bridge Authority. ( Location on Google Maps )

Aizhai Bridge

Aizhai Bridge - Top Longest Suspension Bridges In The WorldBuilt in close proximity to Jishou in Hunan, China, the Aizhai Bridge is one of the tallest suspension bridges in the world thanks to its incredible vertical clearance of 1,150 feet. Furthermore, this is also quite a lengthy bridge since it flaunts a mind-boggling span of 3,760 feet. This incredible landmark across the Dehang Grand Canyon was opened officially in 2012. During the same year, the Aizhai Bridge hosted a very successful international BASE Jumping event that was attended by over 40 enthusiasts. ( Location on Google Maps )

High Coast Bridge

High Coast Bridge - Top Longest Suspension Bridges In The WorldThis stunning bridge in northern Sweden was finished in 1997 and crosses the beautiful river of Ångermanälven. As a direct extension of the European route E4, this bridge replaced the older Sandöbron bridge and is widely recognized as one of the top 5 longest bridges in Europe since it flaunts a length of no less than 6,125 feet. Its span of 3,970 feet is also noteworthy, as is its height of 591 feet. This bridge is under the supervision of the Swedish Road Administration and was built using concrete and sturdy steel. ( Location on Google Maps )

Yangluo Bridge

Yangluo Bridge - Top Longest Suspension Bridges In The WorldAnother remarkable suspension bridge in China is the Yangluo Bridge, which can be found stretching across the Yangtze River in Wuhan, Hubei. What make this bridge truly special are its span of 4,200 feet and its incredible length of 8,940 feet, but its height of 557 feet is definitely not something to leave out either. The construction process of the Yangluo Bridge started off in 2003 and was completed in 2007 when the bridge was officially opened. ( Location on Google Maps )

Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge - Top Longest Suspension Bridges In The WorldThe renowned Golden Gate suspension bridge can be found between the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, right across the Golden Gate strait. Built using steel, the bridge was completed in 1937 and was opened during the same year. Nowadays, this majestic landmark supports a daily traffic of about 110,000 vehicles across its 6 lanes. The Golden Gate Bridge is 8,981 feet long and 746 feet tall, while its longest span reaches 4,200 feet. ( Location on Google Maps )

Tsing Ma Bridge

Tsing Ma Bridge - Top Longest Suspension Bridges In The WorldThe Tsing Ma Bridge was the second longest suspension bridge in the world when it was complete in 1997. The name of the bridge was given in relation to the 2 islands that can be found on its ends, one being named Tsing Yi while the other is called Ma Wan. With a main span of 4,518 feet and a height of 676 feet, this bridge is used for both car and train traffic, which is why it flaunts 6 lanes of roadway as well as 2 MTR rail tracks. This bridge crosses the Ma Wan Channel and was inaugurated by Margaret Thatcher herself. ( Location on Google Maps )

Jiangyin Bridge

Jiangyin Bridge - Top Longest Suspension Bridges In The WorldThe Yangtze River in Jiangsu, China is crossed via the Jiangyin Bridge – a masterpiece that flaunts a maximum span of 4,544 feet and a height of 623 feet. This bridge was built in 1997 and can be found at the core of China’s Jiangsu Province. Furthermore, it represents an extension of the G2 Beijing-Shanghai Expressway and carries a generous number of vehicles each day thanks to its 6 lanes. Experts at the International Bridge Conference in 2002 decided to award this spectacular bridge for its amazing design and functionality. ( Location on Google Maps )

Humber Bridge

Humber Bridge - Top Longest Suspension Bridges In The WorldThe Humber Bridge can be found in Kingston upon Hull, England and represents a single-span suspension bridge of 7,280 feet that crosses the tidal estuary of Humber. This bridge also links the East Riding of Yorkshire with North Lincolnshire and flaunts a daily traffic of about 120,000 vehicles. The construction process of the landmark started in 1972, and it was opened officially by Elizabeth II herself on July 17, 1981. For 16 years, this bridge held the record for the longest single-span suspension bridge in the world. It is still one of the top 10 longest suspension bridges in the world presently. ( Location on Google Maps )

Fourth Nanjing Yangtze Bridge

Fourth Nanjing Yangtze Bridge - Top Longest Suspension Bridges In The WorldThe fourth Nanjing Yangtze Bridge is the very first suspension bridge ever built in the Nanjing province, and it can be found just 6.2 miles away from the second Yangtze River Bridge. The Fourth Nanjing Yangtze Bridge was designed to be highly efficient, which is why it boasts a dual six-lane carriageway that ensures more than adequate sustained traffic speeds of about 74 mph. This bridge was opened in 2012 and boasts a maximum span of 4,652 feet. ( Location on Google Maps )

Runyang Bridge

Runyang Bridge - Top Longest Suspension Bridges In The WorldThe Runyang Bridge is actually a massive bridge complex that spans across the Yangtze River of China. As a testament to the building prowess of the Chinese people, the construction process of this bridge started in 2000 but was completed in 2005, ahead of its scheduled date. The construction process for such a massive landmark ended up costing about $700 million, which is not surprising considering its maximum span of 4,890 feet and height of 705 feet. Moreover, this bridge is a very important part of China’s Jiangsu Province because it carries the G4011 Yangzhou–Liyang Expressway. ( Location on Google Maps )

Yi Sun-sin Bridge

Yi Sun-sin Bridge - Top Longest Suspension Bridges In The WorldOne of the top 5 longest suspension bridges in the world can actually be found in Korea and is called Yi Sun-sin Bridge. Opened in 2012, this bridge flaunts a length of 7,410 feet and a very impressive maximum span of 5,069 feet. Built by Daelim Industrial Co, the bridge was named after a Korean Admiral who defended Korea against a Japanese invasion during the Joseon Dynasty. During the 2013 edition of the Outstanding Structure Award, this bridge was among the final contestants. ( Location on Google Maps )

Great Belt Bridge

Great Belt Bridge - Top Longest Suspension Bridges In The WorldThe Great Belt Bridge is an intricate part of the Great Belt Fixed Link that connects the islands of Zealand and Funen in Denmark. The bridge was designed by a company named COWI and boasts with a longest span of 5,328 feet while its total length reaches no less than 22,277 feet. Also known as the East Bridge, this extraordinary feat of engineering was opened officially in 1998 and carried motor vehicles across the Great Belt ever since. ( Location on Google Maps )

Xihoumen Bridge

Xihoumen Bridge - Top Longest Suspension Bridges In The WorldBuilt on the renowned Zhoushan Archipelago in China, the Xihoumen Bridge was completed in 2007 but was opened officially only 2 years later in 2009. With a maximum span of 5,413 feet, this is the world’s second longest suspension bridges in the world and is definitely one of the most beautiful as well as it involves a clean, almost minimalist design that gives it a sense of grace and elegance. With a total length of 3.2 miles, the Xihoumen Bridge connects Jintang and Cezi islands across the Hangzhou Bay and represents an extension of the Yongzhou Expressway. ( Location on Google Maps )

Akashi Kaikyō Bridge

Akashi Kaikyō Bridge - Top Longest Suspension Bridges In The WorldFinally, the absolute longest suspension bridge in the world is the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, which can be found in Japan and connects Kobe City with Iwaya on Awaji Island. Also known as the Pearl Bridge, Akashi Kaikyō carries a fragment of the Honshu-Shikoku Highway and was finalized in 1998. This bridge is still owner of the longest span of any suspension bridge in the world, a span that reaches an overwhelming figure of 6,532 feet. Towering majestically across the Akashi Strait, the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge is maintained by the Honshu-Shikoku Bridge Authority and boasts six lanes of roadway. ( Location on Google Maps )

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