The purpose of a bridge is to allow people or transport access over a physical obstacle. This physical obstacle could be anything, from other transport networks to valleys. Yet, for me, the first thing that comes to mind when I think of a bridge is one over water and the potential to dive off it on a summer’s day.
Denham bridge in particular provides a lot of fun in the summer months. Situated across the River Tavy near Plymouth, UK, this 17th-century arch bridge is the perfect spot for some wild swimming.
So, bridges provide huge benefits to the public in a number of ways. They create entertainment as well as accessibility. While doing so, they must be economical and safe.
What are the world’s most impressive bridges?
The Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge, China
- Claim to fame: Extending an impressive 102 miles long, this is the world’s longest bridge.
- Type: Viaduct
- Open date: 2011
- Location: Across the Yangtze River delta, it connects Danyang to Kunchan
- Cost: Over £7 billion
More on
bridges in China Millau Viaduct, France
- Claim to fame: At 343 metres, this is the world’s tallest bridge. Tallest refers to the height of its own structure. At its highest point, it rises 270m above the river.
- Type: Multispan cable-stayed bridge
- Open date: 2004
- Location: It connects Clermont-Ferrand and Béziers and Narbonne
- Cost: Over £330 million
More about the
Millau Viaduct Beipanjiang Bridge, China
- Claim to fame: At over 560m above the ground, this is the highest bridge in the world.
- Type: Cable-stayed bridge
- Open date: Open to traffic 2017
- Location: Province of Guizhou
- Cost: Over £100 million
More on
cable-stayed bridges Caravan Bridge, Turkey
- Claim to fame: Built in circa 850BC, this is thought to be the oldest functioning bridge in the World. That makes it over 3,000 years old.
- Type: Single arch slab-stone
- Open date: circa 850BC
- Location: spans over Meles River in Izmir, Turkey
- Cost: Unknown
More on
Engineering History and Heritage 
