The current reigning champ of the highest bridge in the world is the Sidu River Bridge in China. This steel bridge which was built in 2009 for $100 Million hangs a nauseating 1,600 feet above the canyon floor and 5,000 feet across the river valley.
The bridge was part of China’s ongoing highway expansion project and connects two separate parts of the country that were formerly inaccessible due to mountainous terrain and several rivers. The views of the valley down below are truly staggering. Fortunately, they say it is one of the sturdiest bridges ever built. We just hope they are right.
Millau Viaduct – France
The Millau Viaduct is recognized as the tallest bridge in the world and the largest cable-stayed bridge in Europe. It stands a whopping 1,125 feet above its base. It crosses the Gorge Valley of Southern France. It stretches over 8,000 feet long and 105 feet wide.
. Its construction began in 2001 and was finished in 2004. Due to potential winds of up to 151 kilometers per hour, side screens were installed to reduce the effect of the wind by 50%. In 2006, it won the Outstanding Structure Award from the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering.
Mekong River Crossing – China
The Mekong river is a massive river which stretches across six different countries in Southeast Asia- China, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The river water’s condition can fluctuate from calm to raging rapids.
This picture features a man walking across wires over extremely choppy waters. We hope that he’s an expert slack-liner because if not, he’s in deep waters, literally.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland
Some people who cross this 66-foot-long bridge to see the beautiful island on the other side are so frightened by its position 30 meters above rugged rocks and water that they choose to ride a ferry on the way back instead. We don’t blame them.
The bridge also has a crossing toll. Apparently, paying to be scared is a thing in Ireland.
Storseisundet Bridge, Norway
With a backdrop of the mountains behind it, this road is spectacular yet also a bit nauseating. The bridge has been described as “The road to nowhere”.
It is one of the country’s official national tourist routes. So, if you’re a fan of the stomach drop feeling on roller coasters, you will probably enjoy this bridge.