A century after its inauguration, the Bear Mountain Bridge in the state of New York has earned its place as a symbol of American historical heritage. At the time of its construction, this New York bridge held the record for the longest suspended span in the world, capturing the nation’s collective imagination—much like the Verrazzano Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the United States.
Let’s discover other record-breaking bridges that have achieved iconic status around the world.
The Tallest Bridge in the World: Millau Viaduct, Southern France
With a dizzying height of 343 meters (taller than many skyscrapers), the Millau Viaduct in the south of France is the tallest bridge of the world. It was built to reduce traffic congestion along the route between Paris and the Mediterranean. The French bridge stretches 2.46 kilometers across the Tarn Valley, with its deck suspended 270 meters above the ground.
The Longest Covered Bridge in the World: Hartland Bridge, Canada
Located in New Brunswick, Canada, the Hartland Bridge is recognized as the longest covered bridge in the world, stretching 391 meters across the Saint John River. Originally built in 1901 as an uncovered wooden structure, it was fully enclosed in 1921 to protect it from the elements. Today, it stands not only as a functioning bridge but also as a National Historic Site.
The Largest Bridge in the World: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia
With a width of 49 meters, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is the largest bridge in the world. Completed in 1932, this iconic steel structure spans Sydney Harbour and accommodates eight vehicle lanes, two railway tracks, a pedestrian walkway, and a cycle path. Built with over 52,000 tonnes of steel, the Sydney bridge was a groundbreaking engineering feat of its time.
The Most Trafficked Bridge in the World: George Washington Bridge, USA
Spanning the Hudson River between New York City and New Jersey, the George Washington Bridge is the most heavily trafficked bridge in the world. Opened in 1931, this double-deck suspension bridge carries over 103 million vehicles annually, thanks to its 14 traffic lanes—8 on the upper level and 6 on the lower level.
Largest Suspension Bridge and Tallest Towers: Third Bosphorus Bridge, Turkey
The Third Bosphorus Bridge, built by Webuild Group, set two world records at the time of its inauguration: it became the largest suspension bridge in the world and the one with the tallest towers.
The towers reach 318 meters above sea level, surpassing the height of the Eiffel Tower. With a width of 59 meters, the bridge features two eight-lane roadways and a central double-track railway, seamlessly integrating road and rail transport.
Completed in 2016, the bridge spans 1,408 meters across the Bosphorus Strait, dominating Istanbul’s skyline and contributing to the urban and economic development of the Turkish metropolis.
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