There are many interesting bridges in the world. Some are dangerous, while others only appear to be so.
Here are 20 of the most dangerous (and dangerous-looking) bridges in the world.
Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
If you’re scared of heights then you might want to look away now, because this walkway in China is your worst nightmare come true. The fact that it’s attached 4,600ft (1,403 metres) up the side of a mountain is scary enough, but the fact that it’s also made of glass is nothing short of terrifying.
Situated on the side of Tianmen mountain in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Hunan Province, the walkway is 328ft (100 metres) long and 5.2ft (1.6 metres) wide. It’s known as the Coiling Dragon Cliff skywalk, and as you can see, it certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted, but anybody who finds the courage to brave the walkway will be rewarded with an utterly breathtaking view that few will ever experience. The park is actually home to three glass walkways including a 1,410ft (430 metre) glass bridge suspended 590ft (180 metres) above the ground, so if you’re looking for adventure, or just an extreme selfie, then you know where to go.
Wansheng Ordovician Chongqing Theme Park China
The 500 foot-high gap bridge
“Mind the gap” has never been more essential when walking across this 152 metre (500 foot)-high gap bridge in the sky. The bridge is essentially little more than a horizontal ladder with big gaps in between each ledge. Protected only by a harness, guests can truly live life on the edge as they precariously hop from one ledge to the next – trying not to fall between the cracks.
Millau Viaduct, France
When it opened on 17 December 2004, Millau Viaduct set new standards in both planning design and construction, as well as the record as one of the largest cable-stayed bridges in Europe.
At 2.4km long and 270m above the river at its highest point, the Millau viaduct spans a 2km valley in the Massif Central mountain range and forms the final link in the A75 highway from Paris to Barcelona.
The road has two lanes in each direction and costs €400m, which will be recouped by the builder, Eiffage, under a 75-year concession.
The Royal Gorge Bridge
The Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado is the highest suspension bridge in the United States. That’s not the impressive part though.
What makes this bridge so interesting is that it didn’t have any wind cables when it was built in 1929. Those were added decades later, and today, the bridge is quite a tourist attraction.
Eshima Ohashi Bridge
The Eshima Ohashi Bridge in Japan has a reputation for being terrifyingly steep. However, looks can be deceiving.
Despite its appearance, it has a gradient of only 6.1% and is only about 144 feet tall, so it’s not quite as unstable as it seems.
The Seven Mile Bridge
The Seven Mile Bridge located in Florida is actually the second iteration of the original Seven Mile Bridge decommissioned years ago because it prevented boats to pass through.
Although it may appear safe, this particular bridge can be quite scary during one of Florida’s Hurricane seasons.
The Deception Pass Bridge
Deception Pass Bridge is a Washington State bridge that connects two local islands. Prior to the construction of the bridge, these islands were only accessible via ferry.
Although the bridge itself looks safe, it is 180 feet high and quite intimidating.
The Pontchartrain Causeway
The Pontchartrain Causeway located in Pontchartrain, Louisiana is the longest bridge to cross over water in the world, even if it only stands 16 feet high.
What makes this bridge so scary, however, is that it’s actually possible to lose sight of land somewhere along the way, which makes some people feel as though they are traveling across a never-ending bridge.
The Langkawi Sky Bridge
The Langkawi Sky Bridge in Malaysia hovers over 400 feet from the ground. What makes this bridge so scary is that it was once closed due to rumors that it had the potential to collapse.
Although the bridge has been ascertained to be structurally safe, its bad reputation has not gone away.
The Mount Titlis Bridge
The bridge over Mount Titlis in Switzerland stretches above the Swiss Alps. It is approximately 3000 meters from the ground and is quite narrow.
Despite the extreme height, though, the bridge is considered as one of the safest in the world.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
This relatively recent bridge in Florida was constructed in the 1980’s to replace an existing bridge that had been destroyed by a tanker collision.
Although the bridge itself is quite safe and secure, it has developed an infamous reputation over the years. It has become associated with numerous suicides, and there are rumors that it is haunted.
The Bridge of Immortals
This bridge with the strange name is located in China. This bridge allows people passing by to look down from above the clouds, which helps to explain its name.
The only problem is that getting to the bridge takes time, and the process can be quite scary.
The Storseisundet Bridge
The Storseisundet Bridge in Norway was designed to feature angles that appear as though they will drop off.
Unfortunately, describing the dread that this bridge inspires is rather difficult, but according to people who have gone there, the bridge makes you feel like you’re on a roller-coaster just before it drops down.
The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in Ireland is suspended 30 meter above rocky waters. What makes this bridge interesting is that most people only use the bridge to reach the island on the other side.
When it’s time for them to come back, they use the local ferry. Even more interesting is the fact that the bridge charges a fee.
The Sidu River Bridge
The Sidu River Bridge in China has the title of highest bridge in the world, and connects Shanghai with Chongqing.
Not only is this bridge sturdy, it also offers a great view. However, it’s not the kind of place you might visit if you’re afraid of heights.