6 Iconic Bridges Spanning the Globe

By Clay Abney Published October 6, 2017

While bridges provide the means of connecting two points geographically — spanning a valley or a body of water — they are also technological masterpieces. The world’s most iconic bridges are not only engineering marvels, but also works of art that have become iconic landmarks in their own right.

Here are our six favorite bridges from around the globe.

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Golden Gate Bridge (United States)

iconic bridges Golden Gate — Russ Sanderlin/Flickr Image used with permission by copyright holder

Completed in 1937, the strait linking the San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean is covered by this orange icon that may be one of the most recognized bridges in the world. It took four years to complete and it remained the longest suspension bridge main span for almost three decades.

Sydney Harbour Bridge (Australia)

iconic bridges Sydney Harbour — cortezopperman/Flickr Image used with permission by copyright holder

Nicknamed “The Coathanger” due to its arch shaped design, the bridge connects Sydney and the North Shore. Providing a dramatic backdrop to the harbour and the Sydney Opera House, the landmark structure is the largest though not the longest steel arch bridge. It first opened in 1932.

Brooklyn Bridge (United States)

iconic bridges Brooklyn Bridge — dumbonyc/Flickr Image used with permission by copyright holder

Fording the East River since 1883, the bridge’s construction took fourteen years and cost more than $15 million. Approximately 150,000 cars and pedestrians utilize this granite and steel behemoth daily to get between Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Tower Bridge (England)

iconic bridges Tower Bridge — Daniel Vig/Flickr Image used with permission by copyright holder

In a city that is full of historic icons, Tower Bridge still stands out over the River Thames. This hybrid bascule (aka drawbridge) and suspension bridge, completed in 1894, consists of two bridge towers connected by dual, high-level walkways in addition to the pivoting sections that allow larger vessels to safely navigate the river.

Vasco da Gama Bridge (Portugal)

iconic bridges Vasco de Gama — F Mira/Flickr Image used with permission by copyright holder

Named after the famed explorer, the longest bridge in Europe (including its viaducts) has stretched across the Tagus River since 1998. Costing more than $1 billion, this beautiful and functional bridge diverts traffic away from the country’s capital.

Tsing Ma Bridge (Hong Kong)

iconic bridges Tsing Ma bridge — FHKE/Flickr Image used with permission by copyright holder

The longest rail-and-road suspension bridge in the world measures just over 4,500 feet in length. Completed in 1997 with a price tag just under $1 billion, this modern marvel carries six lanes of automobile traffic on its bridge deck. The lower deck contains two rail tracks along with additional sheltered traffic lanes for use when severe weather strikes the region.

Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual

Clay Abney is a PR guru and freelance writer living in the wild and wonderful state of West Virginia, where he spends his…

Outdoors

Biscuit Basin is closed — here’s what to do in Yellowstone instead

Summer fun at Yellowstone is going to look different this year

Overhead photo of a geyser at Yellowstone National Park

Visiting Yellowstone National Park may look a bit different this year with the continued closure of Biscuit Basin, but it's still going to be worth it. There are so many other geysers, canyons, and wildlife to see that it would be a huge mistake to miss out on it this summer just because the path to Old Faithful is still under construction. Here's everything you need to know when entering Yellowstone this summer, and how to make the most of it according to the National Park Service.
Making the most of Yellowstone this Summer

While Biscuit Basin faces reconstruction efforts after the hydraulic explosion that happened last year, you'll still be able to enjoy wildlife hotspots like the Lamar Valley, which is nicknamed "America's Serengeti" for all of the animals you can see. Yellowstone Lake will also be open for boating or fishing excursions. The Yellowstone Lake hotel and the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is open this summer if you don't want to camp, and a lot of the trails around Mammoth Hot Springs will be open too. You can also see Norris Geyser Basin, which is park's hottest and oldest.
No need to worry about timed entry
One of the best parts about Yellowstone National Park is that they don't require timed entry reservations like Yosemite National Park or Glacier National Park. Summer is still pretty busy, so be prepared for crowds, but the park is 2.2 million acres in total, so there's a fair amount of space to spread out. Still, you will need a park entrance pass to get through the gate.
Make your reservations in advance
Campgrounds do require reservations in advance, so make sure that you book dates before you go. If you plan to do any fishing or boating in the area, make sure that you also snag yourself a fishing or boating permit. You will also need to submit your boat for an inspection.
Expect terrible cell service
Personally, I don't know why you'd want to be on your phone with Yellowstone out your window, but keep in mind that cell service is limited here. I recommend downloading maps and the NPS app beforehand, as well as any road closure information. These closures can be sudden due to the unpredictability of Yellowstone's weather, so prepare in advance by packing a warm jacket, rain gear, and layers when you go.
Be responsible, especially around wildlife
While driving, be sure to observe posted speed limits and use the pullouts to watch wildlife, making sure that all four of your tires are fully to the right of the white line. This will allow other cars to pass easily. Seeing wildlife up close is amazing, but remember to stay a minimum of 25 yards away from all wildlife, and 100 yards away from bears, wolves, and cougars. Elks are also dangerous, so don't even think about holding your baby near one.

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STARLUX aviation cabin

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Outdoors

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View from the top of a trail at Deer Valley

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“With multiple large-scale projects underway, we’re strategically focusing our efforts to ensure success at every step,” said Todd Bennett, President and COO of Deer Valley Resort. “This winter’s terrain expansion — more than doubling our skiable acreage — is a once-in-a-generation transformation, and it deserves our full attention."