We cross bridges all the time without thinking about it, over highways, lakes, and rivers. However, we might think twice before crossing a rope bridge on foot or a tall suspension bridge over a massive canyon. So where are the deadliest bridges in the world? Here are the 25 Most Dangerous Bridges You Shouldn’t Cross.
Aiguille Du Midi Bridge, France
Aiguille Du Midi literally translates as, “Needle in the Mid-Day” and is approximately 12,000 feet high. Crossing the bridge from one peak to the other is not for the faint of heart.
Royal Gorge Bridge, Colorado, USA
The highest bridge in the United States, the Royal Gorge Bridge spans over a 900-foot deep gorge and is approximately 1,200 feet long. It will certainly test your faith in modern American engineering.
Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, United Kingdom
Originally created by fishermen, the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge spans a 20m wide and 23m deep chasm and is the only way to get to Carrick Island. At one time it only had one single rope hand rail.
Cape William Moore Bridge, Alaska
Built in 1976, the Cape William Moore Bridge has seen a lot of heavy action with plenty of trucks hauling ore back and forth over it. It bends a lot when you cross it and has been scheduled to be replaced.
Mount Titlis Bridge, Switzerland
Holding the record for the highest suspension bridge in Europe at about 3,000 m (10,000 ft) above sea level, the Mount Titlis Bridge will certainly push your limits and test your fear of heights.
Marienbruecke, Germany
In 1840, Crown Prince Maximillian II built the Marienbruecke as a birthday present for his mountain-climbing companion Marie. It provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding scenery but also the deep gorge below. Considering the age, it’s a good guess that they have to do a lot of remodeling on it quite often, making it a risky venture for sightseers.
Trift Bridge, Switzerland
The longest suspension bridge in the Swiss Alps, the Trift Bridge spans 560 feet at a height of 330 feet. It would sure be a shame if something happened after that hour long hike up the mountain.
Mackinac Bridge, Michigan
Considered a modern marvel and nicknamed “Big Mac,” the Mackinac Bridge seems like a harmless bridge on the outset, but the heavy winds can become so strong that cars can be blown right off the bridge. Ferry services are provided for those too afraid to cross one of the most dangerous bridges in the US.
Canopy Walk, Ghana
At 130 feet, the Canopy Walk in Ghana provides a unique vantage point for people in the forest. These long bridges are connected from tree to tree by ropes and planks. Cross if you dare.
While you have to be daring to cross this bridge, nothing compares to #1 on this list!
U Bein Bridge, Myanmar
Built in 1850, the U Bein Bridge is the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world, spanning almost a mile long. Don’t worry, we’re sure it’s totally up to code.
Quepos Bridge, Costa Rica
Some call the Quepos Bridge, “The Bridge of Death,” and that’s honestly all you really need to know about this bridge to make a sound decision.
Puente de Ojuela Bridge, Mexico
Built in the 19th century during Mexico’s prime mining days, the Puente de Ojuela Bridge used to be used for transporting goods but is now a tourist attraction. It’s perfect for the traveler that enjoys swaying bridges and wide unprotected spaces between planks to see the canyon below.
Ghasa Bridge, Nepal
If you’re really looking for an unsteady bridge with the high potential of it falling underneath your feet, look no further than the Ghasa suspension bridge in Nepal. In order to stop congestion, they built the bridge to transport livestock. So, if it breaks, you’ll get to share the experience with some animals.
Langkawi Sky Bridge, Kedah, Malaysia
Langkawi Sky Bridge is one of the most unusual bridges in the world, purposefully curving around the mountain to give visitors unique perspectives. Needless to say, standing on a 130-meter high curved bridge that only uses one long pylon for support doesn’t build confidence.
Iya Kazurabashi Bridge, Japan
No one knows who built the Iya Kazurabashi Bridge or the other sister bridges just like it, but some believe they were built long ago by a people that were trying to escape the Genji Clan. They were built for the specific purpose to easily cut them down so their enemies couldn’t cross. Not exactly a ringing endorsement for their structurally sound engineering.
Taman Negara Canopy Walkway, Malaysia
While perhaps more structurally sound than walking on vines, the Taman Negara Canopy Walkway is 45 meters high and 510 meters long with a very narrow passage that only fits one person at a time.
Seven Mile Bridge, Florida
The Seven Mile Bridge is a 6.765-mile bridge that spans over the Atlantic Ocean in the Florida Keys. So, if you hate bridges and are terrified of the ocean, this bridge is not for you.
Musou Tsuribashi Bridge, Japan
Built back in the 1950’s, the Musou Tsuribashi Bridge is held up only by wire and a few wood planks with a narrow passage across. You’d have to be either brave or insane to cross this bridge.
The Monkey Bridges of Vietnam
Popular in the Mekong Delta and a symbol of Vietnam, the monkey bridge is primarily bamboo tied together with only one bamboo beam crossing over the water. Those not used to walking on bamboo would find these very dangerous and difficult to cross.
Qeswachaka Bridge, Peru
Crossing the Apurimac River Canyon, the Qeswachaka Bridge is of an ancient Inca design, built from six strands of long grass into cables and secured to the trunks of Eucalyptus trees. However, the fibers deteriorate rapidly and it must be rebuilt every year.
Kuandinsky Bridge of Kuanda, Russia
The Kuandinsky Bridge is a narrow and old metal bridge covered in slippery wooden planks with no side railing. One wrong move and your car would tumble into the icy water below. (Image used with permission from Blog From Russia)
Longjiang Suspension Bridge, China
The Longjiang Suspension Bridge is one of the highest and tallest in the world, spanning 3, 924 feet across and 920 feet above the river below. Not the best place to overcome your fear of heights.
Storseisundet Bridge, Norway
Looking like a bridge leading to nowhere, the Stroseisundet Bridge in Norway looks a lot like a roller coaster, seemingly dropping off below instead of providing safe passage across.
Sidu River Bridge, China
People scared of heights will want to take notice of this one. At 1,627 feet tall and 4,009 feet long, the Sidu River Bridge is the tallest suspension bridge in the world.
Hussaini Hanging Bridge, Pakistan
In the mountainous region of Northern Pakistan, the Hussaini Hanging Bridge helps travelers cross the Borit Lake. However, it’s poorly maintained and considerably long with only a couple of cables and loose wooden blanks to help you cross. With strong winds rocking the bridge and an older, broken bridge nearby, you’ve got to have nerves of steel to cross.
If you enjoyed this list, be sure to check out 25 Of The Most Dangerous Roads On Earth.
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Photos: 25. Rémih, Aiguille du Midi passerelle, CC BY-SA 3.0, 24. Bkthomson, Royal Gorge Bridge (looking west), CC BY-SA 3.0, 23. Kenneth Allen, Carrick-a-rede rope bridge – geograph.org.uk – 53234, CC BY-SA 2.0, 22. Wknight94, Captain William Moore Bridge, Alaska, CC BY-SA 3.0, 21. Takver via flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0, 20. böhringer friedrich, Marienbrücke 1, CC BY-SA 2.5, 19. Thisisbossi, 6104 – Gadmertal – Triftbrücke, CC BY-SA 2.5, 18. The original uploader was Jeffness at English Wikipedia, Mackinac Bridge, CC BY-SA 2.5, 17. Erik Cleves Kristensen, Me on the Canopy walk, Ghana, CC BY 2.0, 16. Max Pixel (public domain), 15. hex1848, Costa Rica, Quepos, Bridge 0902, CC BY-SA 2.0, 14. Fenerty at English Wikipedia, Recuerdo del Puente de Ojuela – Gold Mine – 1892 – near Torreon, Mexico 009-800X600, CC BY-SA 3.0, 13. John Pavelka, Suspension Bridge Over the Kali Gandaki Valley, CC BY 2.0, 12. Flickr user “The Dilly Lama”, Langkawi sky bridge, CC BY 2.0, 11. ume-y, Iya Kazurabashi-4, CC BY 2.0, 10. RoB, Taman Negara Canopy Walkway, CC BY-SA 3.0, 9. Sathish S via flickr, CC BY 2.0, 8. pixgrove.blogspot.ca, (public domain disclaimer), 7. Bùi Thụy Đào Nguyên, Đi cầu khỉ, CC BY-SA 3.0, 4. HighestBridges, LongjiangByHighestBridges, CC BY-SA 4.0, 2. Glabb, Siduhe Bridge-4, CC BY-SA 3.0, 1. pixgrove.blogspot.ca, (public domain disclaimer)