Bridges are magnificent structures built to connect one point to another. Often they hang above terrain that would take us days to trek otherwise. Most of them are methodically engineered and take years of construction, such as the glorious Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco or the majestic Tower Bridge in London.
Meanwhile, some bridges were simply built to get the job done without much planning at all. Here are ten of the most dangerous bridges in the world.
What makes the most dangerous bridges?
Despite the fact that the general physics of bridge-building has been in existence for thousands of years, every bridge’s safety depends on several factors—the geology of the area, traffic volume, weather, and construction materials.
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Sometimes, it can be hard to tell between dangerous bridges and reliable ones simply by looking at them. There are also some bridges where regardless of their stability, I just could not dare to set foot without feeling a jolt of adrenaline!
For all you adrenaline junkies and bridge enthusiasts, here is a list of the scariest bridges in the world!
The most dangerous bridges in the world
- Hussaini hanging bridge, Pakistan
- Eshima Ohashi Bridge, Japan
- Royal Gorge Bridge, USA
- Quepos Bridge, Costa Rica
- Bridge of the Immortals, China
- Monkey bridges, Vietnam
- Kuandinsky Bridge, Russia
- Seven Mile Bridge, Florida
- Langkawi Sky Bridge, Malaysia
- Longjiang Suspension Bridge, China
10 of the most dangerous bridges
Hanging on in Pakistan
Let us get the most dangerous bridge in the world out of the way first! At 2,600 meters altitude, the Hussaini Hanging Bridge hangs above the Hunza River in the Gilgit-Baltistan region; it is not for the faint of heart.
This flimsy suspension bridge was built by the villagers using materials found in the vicinity. Improper materials, the passage of time, and lack of maintenance mean missing planks will unnerve you as you walk the narrow path above the gushing river.
Unforgiving heavy winds also tend to shake the bridge as you cross it. I have heart palpitations just thinking about it!
Japan’s roader-coaster
The Eshima Ohashi Bridge in Japan sits over Nakaumi lake. Constructed between 1997 to 2004, it is the third-largest rigid-frame bridge in the world!
Besides its impressive size, images of the bridge circulate the internet because it looks as steep as a rollercoaster from a certain angle!
Gorge-ous but scary!
The Royal Gorge Bridge sits 956 feet above a narrow valley with a stream running underneath. Construction began in June of 1929 and took less than seven months to complete. To gauge just how tall this is, you can fit the entire Chrysler building in the gorge, and only its spire will rise above the bridge.
The unnerving height is what makes it terrifying, as falling off means a deep plunge that you are unlikely to survive.
Dicing with death
Also known as the “Bridge of Death” and “Oh My God bridge”, the narrow Quepos Bridge built between 1930 to 1940 does not even look like it can hold a bicycle, yet, big trucks and lorries drive through it daily.
The wood-plank bridge appears to be on the verge of collapsing, with loose slabs clanking loudly as the bridge sways beneath the weight of vehicles passing through. Yikes!
A creepy bridge in China
At the height of 1,320 meters above sea level, the Fairy Walking Bridge joins two rocky outcroppings. Until 1987, locals crossed over this abyss along a decrepit hanging path, with many falling to their deaths earning it the nickname of the “bridge of immortals.”
New construction makes it safe now, but the location’s previous reputation persists. Visitors often get an eerie feeling while taking in the stunning scenery of the rock formations on the mountainside.
Monkeying around in Vietnam
Monkey Bridges are traditional, handcrafted wood or bamboo walkways often made of just one piece of bamboo or wood log, some even built without handrails. You can find them spread across the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, spanning streams and rice fields. They can also be seen in northern Vietnam, in coastal regions of the Red River Delta.
For the locals who live nearby, crossing these bridges is easy as they do it every day. For unfamiliar visitors, it can be a difficult and dangerous affair.
Is there snow on the other side?
The perilous Kuandinsky Bridge in Russia’s Trans-Baikal region is definitely up there among this list of dangerous bridges. It is hazardous because in over 30 years, they still have not completed it, yet, people traverse it daily.
At 570 meters long, it ferries people across the Vitim River. Crossing the river is treacherous enough during heavy snow, but the trembling bridge adds to its peril.
Also, there is nothing to prevent you from plummeting into the freezing waters as it is only about two meters wide with no railings or other safety precautions!
A Key bridge in Florida
If you have Thalassophobia, you might not want to set foot on this 10,888-meter bridge across the Atlantic Ocean, connecting the Florida Keys.
You can only see green-blue waters and a display of herons and seagulls perched on top of the railings on both sides as you cross the bridge.
A walk in the clouds
This 125-meter long structure is one of the world’s longest curve suspension bridges, and its construction was an arduous task. Located high in the mountains of Langkawi, the Sky Bridge could only be built by hoisting the entire structure and all its components to the top by helicopter!
It was worth it, though, as the surrounding greenery will take your breath away while sitting among the canopy.
A bridge too far?
This suspension bridge, also known as the Long River Bridge, is located near Baoshan, Yunnan, China. Open to traffic on May 1st, 2016, the bridge is 1,196 meters long, making it one of Asia’s longest. It is also one of Asia’s highest, towering 280 meters above the river.
Millions of people cross bridges every day, traversing some of the most dangerous bridges in the world. Some are known for their gut-churning heights, questionable structure, and steep slopes that seem to defy all the laws of physics.
Even if you are not brave enough to cross some of the most dangerous bridges, visiting one is always fun! I feel small while staring in awe at the might and beauty of bridges while enjoying the cool breeze from being up high and taking in the stunning scenery of our beautiful world. Do you?
