Built in an area with high seismicity, the Rio–Antirrio bridge is an engineering marvel spanning the Gulf of Corinth, in Greece. It opened in August 2004. It’s truly an architectural and engineering marvel, which had to overcome an exceptional combination of adverse environmental conditions.
Due to the peculiar conditions of the straits, several unique engineering problems needed to be considered and overcome: deep water (65 m), insecure materials for foundations, withstanding strong winds up to 180 km/hr, seismic activity, the probability of tsunamis, and tectonic movement.
Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge, India
Located in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge connects the National Highway (NH 49) with Rameswaram on Pamban Island. The bridge is 2.345km long. The road over the bridge is asphalted and is also known as the Pamban Bridge. It is the longest bridge in southern India.
It took close to 14 years to be completed. The bridge is located in the world's second most corrosive environment after Florida, making its maintenance a challenging job. The location is also a cyclone-prone high wind velocity zone. The construction of this bridge has left many engineers wondering as it stands tall and strong even today. The ships too can pass under the bridge and hence it is the most convenient means of commutation.
Cuyuni River Bridge, Venezuela
Located in eastern Venezuela, the Cuyuni River bridge is said to be designed by the famous Gustave Eiffel.
The iron bridge over the Cuyuni River is 170 m. The road to the bridge is the gravel Ruta 10.
Skippers Bridge, New Zealand
Located in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island, the Skippers suspension bridge is 96 m long and 90 m high. The building of this bridge was done as early as 1866. It crossed the river only 6 meters above the water and was prone to damage from flooding.
It was replaced in 1871 but rebuilt in the same place. The speed limit is 15km/h. One vehicle on the bridge at any one time. The bridge limit is 2.500kg. The bridge is 91.4 meters above the river, making it the highest suspension bridge in New Zealand. This single-lane traffic bridge is 2.2m-wide and its span is 96.3m. The deck and stiffening truss were constructed in timber.
Puente del Rio Electrico, Argentina
Located within the Los Glaciares National Park in Santa Cruz Province of Argentina.
Puente del Rio Electrico is a short wood bridge located on the road Ruta Provincial23, near the Chilean border over the Electrico River. The bridge is 35m long.