From China to France: Exploring the 7 Tallest Road Bridges on Earth
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These bridges are remarkable feats of engineering, showcasing advancements in design and construction techniques to overcome challenging terrains and connect regions more efficiently.
The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, located in Guizhou, southwest China, is nearing completion. Once finished, it will soar to a height of 2,051 feet (625 meters) above the river, surpassing the Millau Viaduct in France by 947 feet (289 meters), making it the new tallest bridge in the world. Here are the world’s seven tallest road bridges, ranked by their structural height (from the base to the top of the tallest tower or pylon):
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1. Millau Viaduct (France)
Standing at 343 meters, the Millau Viaduct is the tallest bridge in the world. This multi-span cable-stayed bridge spans the Tarn Valley in southern France. Designed by engineer Michel Virlogeux and architect Norman Foster, it was completed in 2004 and is part of the A75 autoroute. (Image: Shutterstock)
Standing at 343 meters, the Millau Viaduct is the tallest bridge in the world. This multi-span cable-stayed bridge spans the Tarn Valley in southern France. Designed by engineer Michel Virlogeux and architect Norman Foster, it was completed in 2004 and is part of the A75 autoroute. (Image: Shutterstock)
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2. Pingtang Bridge (China)
With a height of 332 meters, the Pingtang Bridge is the second tallest bridge globally. This cable-stayed bridge crosses the Caodu River valley in Guizhou Province and was opened to traffic in December 2019. (Image: Shutterstock)
With a height of 332 meters, the Pingtang Bridge is the second tallest bridge globally. This cable-stayed bridge crosses the Caodu River valley in Guizhou Province and was opened to traffic in December 2019. (Image: Shutterstock)
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3. Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge (Turkey)
This hybrid cable-stayed and suspension bridge has towers reaching 322 meters in height. It spans the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, connecting Europe and Asia, and was opened in August 2016. (Image: Shutterstock)
This hybrid cable-stayed and suspension bridge has towers reaching 322 meters in height. It spans the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, connecting Europe and Asia, and was opened in August 2016. (Image: Shutterstock)
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4. Russky Bridge (Russia)
With pylons standing at 320.9 meters, the Russky Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that connects Russky Island to the mainland city of Vladivostok. It was completed in 2012 and is known for its impressive main span of 1,104 meters. (Image: Shutterstock)
With pylons standing at 320.9 meters, the Russky Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that connects Russky Island to the mainland city of Vladivostok. It was completed in 2012 and is known for its impressive main span of 1,104 meters. (Image: Shutterstock)
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5. Sutong Yangtze River Bridge (China)
This cable-stayed bridge features towers that are 306 meters tall. It spans the Yangtze River, connecting the cities of Suzhou and Nantong in Jiangsu Province. Opened in 2008, it was once the bridge with the longest main span for a cable-stayed bridge. (Image: Shutterstock)
This cable-stayed bridge features towers that are 306 meters tall. It spans the Yangtze River, connecting the cities of Suzhou and Nantong in Jiangsu Province. Opened in 2008, it was once the bridge with the longest main span for a cable-stayed bridge. (Image: Shutterstock)
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6. Duge Bridge (China)
The Duge Bridge, also known as the Beipanjiang Bridge, has a structural height of 269 meters. It's notable for having the highest road deck in the world, sitting 565 meters above the Beipan River gorge. This cable-stayed bridge connects Guizhou and Yunnan provinces and was opened in December 2016. (Image: Shutterstock)
The Duge Bridge, also known as the Beipanjiang Bridge, has a structural height of 269 meters. It's notable for having the highest road deck in the world, sitting 565 meters above the Beipan River gorge. This cable-stayed bridge connects Guizhou and Yunnan provinces and was opened in December 2016. (Image: Shutterstock)
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