Sea bridges are a sight to behold. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to the majestic Jaiozhou Bay Bridge in China, these structures are some of the world’s most impressive feats of engineering and architecture. These bridges span vast bodies of water, often with spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes. They are wonders of technology and design and are sure to leave anyone who visits them in awe.
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Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, USA
The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic landmark in the United States. Located in San Francisco, California, the bridge connects the city of San Francisco with Marin County across the Golden Gate Strait. One of the most photographed sites in the world, the 2.7 km long bridge was opened to the public in 1937.
The bridge’s main span is 4,200 feet in length, and it towers 746 feet above the Golden Gate Strait. It is the second-longest suspension bridge in the United States, and its two towers are a defining feature of the San Francisco skyline.
The bridge was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987 and continues to be a popular tourist attraction. A visit to the Golden Gate Bridge is a must for anyone visiting the San Francisco Bay Area!
Jiaozhou Bay Bridge, China
The Jiaozhou Bay Bridge in China is a marvel of modern engineering. Connecting the cities of Qingdao and Huangdao in the Chinese province of Shandong, it stretches 26.7 km across Jiaozhou Bay. Completed in 2011, the bridge was built as part of a massive project to improve transportation links between mainland China and the island of Huangdao.
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The bridge has six lanes of traffic and has greatly reduced travel times between the two points, cutting them from three hours to just 30 minutes. Jaiozhou Bay Bridge can withstand earthquakes of 8.0 magnitude, strong typhoons, and the impact of vessels weighing 300,000 tons. It is equipped with advanced sensors that detect and alert any structural changes.
Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Mumbai, India
The Bandra-Worli Sea Link is a cable-stayed bridge over the Arabian Sea in Mumbai, India. It connects the western suburb of Bandra to the central business district of Worli and is the first bridge of its kind in the country. The bridge is 8 lanes wide, making it one of the widest bridges in the world.
The bridge is 5.6 kilometres long and is supported by two towers and a network of cables. The bridge has drastically reduced the commuting time between the two suburbs and has become an instrumental part of Mumbai’s transport infrastructure.
The bridge also offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea, making it a popular spot for photographers and sightseers. The Bandra-Worli Sea Link is a must-see destination for any visit to Mumbai.
San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, USA
The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is one of the most renowned structures in the United States. It extends over the San Francisco Bay and connects the cities of San Francisco and Oakland, carrying more than 250,000 vehicles daily. In 1933, construction on the bridge began, and it was opened to traffic in 1936. It was the world’s longest bridge at the time of its opening, stretching nearly 7.1 kilometres across the bay.
Today, the bridge is a symbol of the Bay Area and a popular spot for visitors to take in breathtaking views of the city skyline and the surrounding areas. The bridge is also notable for its unique suspension design, which allows for flexible movement in response to wind and earthquakes. From the bustling city streets of San Francisco to the wide open waters of the bay, the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is a true wonder of the modern world.
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, Louisiana, USA
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway spans 38 kilometres across Lake Pontchartrain. It connects the cities of Metairie and Mandeville in the US state of Louisiana. It is one of the longest continuous bridges over water worldwide, and its length alone is enough to draw visitors from near and far.
The bridge consists of two parallel steel bridges and is a vital link between New Orleans and its neighbouring communities. On a clear day, one can enjoy breathtaking views of the city of New Orleans from the causeway. All in all, it’s a worthwhile experience that shouldn’t be missed.
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Mackinac Bridge, Michigan, USA
The Mackinac Bridge, located in Michigan, is the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere. It was built to link the two peninsulas of Michigan and was opened to traffic in 1957.
The 8.38 km long bridge has become an iconic part of the Michigan landscape and is a popular tourist attraction. From the bridge, visitors can take in stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including nearby Mackinac Island.
King Fahd Causeway, Saudi Arabia
The King Fahd Causeway is a major bridge connecting Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Opened in 1986, it is one of the longest causeways in the world, stretching more than 25 km across the Gulf of Bahrain. The causeway was built with funding from both countries and has become an effective link between the two nations.
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In addition to the bridge, the causeway is also home to two artificial islands used for recreation, shopping and dining. For visitors to the region, the causeway is a must-see destination. Not only is it an impressive engineering feat, but it also offers amazing views of the Arabian Sea and stunning sunsets.
The Great Belt Fixed Link, Denmark
The Great Belt Fixed Link, located in Denmark, is one of the most impressive engineering feats in modern history. The bridge-tunnel link connects the Danish island of Zealand with the smaller island of Funen and is the longest combined road and rail bridge in Europe.
The link consists of three sections – two bridges and a tunnel. The East Bridge is 6.8 km long. The Middle Bridge is an 8 km tunnel, and the West Bridge is a box girder bridge 6.6 km in length. The link has reduced travel times between the two islands and has also been a major boost to Denmark’s economy. Construction began in 1988 and was completed in 1998. It has since become an iconic symbol of Denmark and a favourite tourist attraction.
Vasco Da Gama Bridge, Lisbon, Portugal
The Vasco da Gama Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that span the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal. It is the second-longest bridge in Europe, with a total length of 12.34 km. The bridge was opened to traffic in 1998 and is named after the renowned Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama.
The bridge was opened in 1998 and was designed to reduce traffic congestion in the region. Its design incorporates a striking combination of colours and shapes that add an extra layer of beauty to the bridge. It is a sight to behold. For visitors, the bridge is an excellent place to take in the stunning views of the Lisbon waterfront.