Inside the Top 10 Longest Suspension Bridges in the World Ever Built

Suspension bridges have a way of stopping people in their tracks. Something is awe-inspiring about a structure that seems to float across open water or deep valleys, held up by nothing more than cables and engineering genius. Today, the longest suspension bridges in the world stretch over distances that once felt unimaginable, with main spans running well beyond 1.5 kilometers. 

These bridges aren’t just visual landmarks; they quietly support millions of vehicles every year, connect major economic regions, and endure some of the harshest conditions on Earth, from powerful winds to seismic activity. As technology and materials have evolved, engineers have continued to push boundaries, turning ambitious ideas into reality. Each new entry on the list of the longest suspension bridges tells a story of innovation, resilience, and humanity’s drive to build bigger, stronger, and smarter than ever before.

What Is a Suspension Bridge?

A suspension bridge is designed to carry weight using thick cables stretched between tall towers, with the road deck hanging below. This structure allows the bridge to span extremely long distances without needing supports in the middle, making it ideal for crossing wide rivers, deep seas, and busy shipping routes. The cables handle tension, the towers manage compression, and the anchors keep everything stable. Thanks to this efficient design, engineers have been able to build the longest suspension bridges in the world, combining strength, flexibility, and durability to withstand wind, traffic, and natural forces over decades of use.

Top 10 Longest Suspension Bridges in the World (Main Span Length: Lowest to Highest)

This list of the longest suspension bridges is ranked by main span length, the distance between a bridge’s two main towers. This measurement is the standard in bridge engineering because it best represents the structural challenge of building long, unsupported spans. All bridges listed are fully operational and used for public transportation.

1. Hardanger Bridge

The Hardanger Bridge stretches across one of Norway’s most scenic fjords and opened in 2013. It is one of the longest suspension bridges in Europe and blends engineering with dramatic natural surroundings.

The bridge replaced a ferry route, making travel faster and more reliable. Its slim deck and light-colored towers were designed to blend with the landscape. The bridge has also become a popular tourist attraction due to its stunning views.

2. Runyang Yangtze River Bridge

As part of the elite group of the longest suspension bridges in the world, the Runyang Yangtze River Bridge made history in China when it opened in 2005. It plays a key role in connecting northern and southern Jiangsu Province.

The bridge significantly improved traffic flow across the Yangtze River, supporting regional trade and mobility. Its towering pylons rise prominently above the river, making it a recognizable engineering landmark. Even today, it remains one of China’s most important and heavily used river crossings.

3. Yi Sun-sin Bridge

Named after a legendary Korean naval commander, the Yi Sun-sin Bridge connects the cities of Yeosu and Gwangyang. Opened in 2012, it was built to handle extreme coastal winds and harsh marine conditions.

The bridge serves one of South Korea’s largest industrial zones. Its design emphasizes durability and long-term performance. The bridge is both a functional transport link and a tribute to national history.

4. Osman Gazi Bridge

The Osman Gazi Bridge spans the Gulf of İzmit and is one of Türkiye’s most strategic infrastructure projects. Opened in 2016, it reduced a multi-hour drive around the bay to just minutes, placing it among the longest suspension bridges in the world by main span.

The bridge is designed to withstand strong earthquakes common in the region. Its sleek design reflects modern suspension bridge engineering. The structure plays a major role in boosting industrial connectivity between Istanbul and western Türkiye.

5. Great Belt Bridge

The East Bridge of Denmark’s Great Belt Fixed Link connects the islands of Zealand and Funen. Opened in 1998, it dramatically reduced travel time across the country and replaced ferry routes.

The bridge accommodates both road and rail traffic, making it a backbone of Danish infrastructure. Its tall towers allow large ships to pass safely beneath. The bridge is considered one of Europe’s most important transport achievements.

Read Next: Inside the Top 20 Longest Sea Bridges in the World and the Calculations That Refused to Fail

6. Xihoumen Bridge

The Xihoumen Bridge connects islands in China’s Zhoushan Archipelago, crossing the open sea rather than a river. When it opened in 2009, it became one of the longest sea-crossing suspension bridges in the world.

The bridge was designed to endure salt corrosion, typhoons, and strong ocean winds. Its construction significantly improved connectivity for island communities. Today, it plays an essential role in tourism and maritime transport and remains recognized among the longest suspension bridges in the world.

7. Nansha Bridge

The East Span of the Nansha Bridge is a vital link within China’s Pearl River Delta, one of the world’s largest economic hubs. Designed to handle heavy traffic, it supports both freight transport and daily commuters.

Opened in 2019, the bridge helps connect Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong more efficiently. Its streamlined deck design reduces wind resistance during storms. The bridge is a key driver of regional trade and logistics growth.

8. Yangsigang Yangtze River Bridge

As one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, the Yangsigang Yangtze River Bridge in Wuhan stands out as the world’s longest double-deck suspension bridge. It carries both express traffic on the upper level and urban traffic below, easing congestion in one of China’s busiest cities.

Opened in 2019, the bridge reflects China’s rapid advances in large-scale infrastructure. Its red-painted steel structure has become a modern landmark along the Yangtze River. The bridge plays a critical role in connecting industrial and residential districts.

9. Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge connects Japan’s main island of Honshu with Awaji Island and is famous for its resilience. During construction, a powerful earthquake shifted its towers by nearly one meter, forcing engineers to adjust the design mid-project.

Opened in 1998, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world for more than 20 years. The bridge can withstand winds exceeding 280 km/h and major seismic shocks. Its massive steel cables could circle the Earth more than seven times if stretched end to end.

10. 1915 Çanakkale Bridge

The 1915 Çanakkale Bridge is currently the longest suspension bridge in the world, with a record-breaking main span of 2,023 meters. It crosses the historic Dardanelles Strait, a waterway that has shaped global trade and military history for centuries, and places the structure among the longest suspension bridges in the world by engineering standards.

The span length symbolically references the year 2023, marking the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic. Built to withstand strong winds and seismic activity, the bridge uses an advanced aerodynamic deck design. Beyond engineering, it has drastically reduced travel time between Europe and Asia, boosting regional commerce.

Read Next:

• Why Longest Bridges in the USA Still Leave People Speechless?
• Longest Bridges in the World in 2026: What Sets These 15 Bridges Apart From the Rest

Conclusion

The longest suspension bridges in the world represent the peak of modern engineering, where innovation meets necessity. Built to span vast waters and challenging terrain, these structures do far more than set records; they connect economies, reduce travel time, and withstand some of the planet’s harshest natural forces.

As materials and design continue to advance, future bridges may stretch even farther, but these landmarks already stand as lasting proof of how far human engineering has come.

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