Top 10 Longest Sea Bridges in the World
A bridge has so much meaning to human beings. Not just a symbol of connection, the bridge contributed hugely to the development of life. Nowadays, it’s not only significant in terms of traffic and economy, but the bridges also have a unique design, which attracts millions of tourists every year. They might be the most significant landmarks that you can check-in when visiting the places. Let’s follow The Broad Life to explore the longest sea bridges in the world!
1. Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge
After its completion in 2018, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB) is considered the longest sea bridge in the world. The total length of the HZMB is about 55km, which is 20 times longer than the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, USA. The bridge consists of 3 cable car bridges, 2 artificial islands with an area of 100,000 m2 each, and a sea tunnel of 6.7km long. Especially, this superstructure is able to withstand earthquakes of magnitude 8, and super typhoons up to level 16. Even, it still stands strong if a heavy cargo ship directly hits it.
In construction, the bridge also requires 1.08 million m3 of cement and 400,000 tons of steel. It’s 4.5 times more than the material used to create the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, USA. It’s also enough to build the 60 Eiffel Towers in France.
2. Jiaozhou Bay Bridge – Qingdao, China
With a length of 41.58km including 6 lanes, Jiaozhou Bay Bridge was recognized by Guinness as the longest sea-crossing bridge in the world by total length in 2012. In detail, the bridge has 5,200 pillars and uses 450,000 tons of steel that can withstand magnitude 8 earthquakes.
3. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway – Louisiana, USA
Lake Pontchartrain Expressway Bridge is a bridge spanning Lake Pontchartrain with a length of 38.44km, connecting the city of Metairie and the district of St. Tammany. The bridge was confirmed by Guinness as the longest continuous bridge on the water in the world in 1969. In addition to facilitating convenient transportation, this is also a famous tourist destination.
4. Donghai Bridge – Zhoushan, China
Completed in 2005, Dong Hai Bridge is the first sea-crossing bridge in China with a length of 32.5km including 6 lanes. Stretching across the East China Sea, connecting Shanghai with the Yangshan deep-water port, the bridge has great significance in serving China’s land-sea trade.
5. King Fahd Causeway – Khobar, Saudi Arabia and Al Jasra, Bahrain
In order to promote trade exchanges and tighten diplomatic relations, the King Fahd Causeway Bridge connects Saudi Arabia with the island nation of Bahrain. The $1.2 billion project was launched to the public in 1986 with a total length of up to 25km including 4 lanes. Every day, an average of more than 45,000 vehicles pass through here.
6. Vasco Da Gama Bridge – Lisboa, Portugal
Named after the famous 15th-century explorer, Vasco Da Gama is Europe’s longest bridge with a total length of more than 17km. With a cost of up to one billion USD, the bridge is an important traffic route, connecting the two South – North of Portugal.
7. San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge – Oakland, USA
Inaugurated in 1936, it spans more than 13.4km, connecting the two cities of San Francisco and Oakland. The highest point of the bridge is the 160m high tower shaft, white, shining every night with a system of shimmering lights.
8. Seven Mile Bridge – Florida, USA
Is an iconic bridge in Florida, stretching to the sea, connecting the Gulf of Mexico and the state of Florida. Completed in 1982, the bridge is more than 10km long. With stunning ocean views, the Seven Mile Bridge is not only one of the longest bridges in the United States, but also a fascinating sight.
9. Øresund Bridge – Copenhagen, Denmark and Malmö, Sweden
Located across the Oresund Strait in the southernmost part of Sweden and Denmark. Designed by George K.S. Rotne, Oresund Bridge is a unique combination of an 8km long cable-stayed bridge and a 4km long undersea tunnel. Viewed from above, the bridge seems to be only half, located in the heart of the vast ocean, creating a wonderful scene.
10. Mackinac Bridge – Michigan, USA
One of the most famous and historically significant bridges in America, the Mackinac Bridge spans 8 kilometers. This is the 3rd longest suspension bridge in the US and the 2nd longest suspension span in North America. Mackinac Bridge is not only a freight route but also a place that attracts tourists and photographers from all over the world.
Extra. Golden Gate Bridge – California, USA
The Golden Gate Bridge used to be on the list of the world’s 10 longest sea bridges until HZMB’s completion in 2018. Considered a symbol of the city of San Francisco, the Golden Bridge was inaugurated in 1937, stretching for more than 2.7km. The bridge is made from steel with a weight of more than 80 tons. With unique architecture, the bridge is one of the architectural works in the US that attracts millions of tourists every year.
A Quick Sum Up of the World’s Longest Sea Bridges
| # | Bridge Name | Completion Year | Total Length (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge | 2018 | 55 |
| 2 | Jiaozhou Bay Bridge | 2011 | 41.58 |
| 3 | Lake Pontchartrain Causeway | 1969 | 38.44 |
| 4 | Donghai Bridge | 2005 | 32.5 |
| 5 | King Fahd Causeway | 1986 | 25 |
| 6 | Vasco Da Gama Bridge | 1998 | 17.2 |
| 7 | San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge | 1936 | 13.4 |
| 8 | Seven Mile Bridge | 1982 | 10.88 |
| 9 | Øresund Bridge | 2000 | > 8 |
| 10 | Mackinac Bridge | 1957 | 8.03 |
| 11 | Golden Gate Bridge | 1937 | 2.7 |
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Khoi Nguyen
Khoi Nguyen builds The Broad Life with a desire to inspire people go exploring the world and live a more interesting, experience, and adventurous life. This blog shares the stories, pictures, and experiences at destinations where he has traveled to.
18 Comments
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Khoi Nguyen
You will be amazed to see them in real.
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Beth
Wow, I hope to visit if not all some of these bridges. I think its fascinating to not just know of them but to see them in person too.
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Khoi Nguyen
Yeah, seeing them after knowing more about them brings to you a special feeling.
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briannemanzb
I only see some of these bridges in the movies. I hope to visit them too.
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Khoi Nguyen
You will.
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Life With Sonia | Women Empowerment Blogger (@lifewithsonia)
Oh Gosh, I would be shaking and telling my kids that I love them while crossing the bridge in Hong Kong.
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Khoi Nguyen
That will be a special moment for sure.
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Goodmoviefinder
Honestly Im little bit afraid of water but these sea bridges are adorable. We travel around USA once year and I hope we will see sea bridges one day. Cool experience for boys!
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Khoi Nguyen
Surely the boys will like it.
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Not So Crafty Momma
These bridges are all so beautiful! I absolutely love bridges. There is just something magical about them!
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Khoi Nguyen
Absolutely!
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Julie
I’ve been to three of these bridges. They are so beautiful and I want to see some of these others. I should send this to my sister to freak her out, she hates bridges. LOL
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Khoi Nguyen
Haha, then your sister will follow you everytime you visit a bridge.
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christiana Onuoha
So breath-taking, every single one of them. I wonder how long it took to build some of these.
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Khoi Nguyen
Each of them has a history that we will find interesting to know. I’m gonna write more about them.
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Fransic verso
These are pretty and haven’t been in this long bridges before. Looking forward to try it this year.
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Khoi Nguyen
Finishing this list of bridges will bring you an unforgettable experience.
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Lani Lyutz
So fascinating to learn about these sea bridges, what more to see them in real life 🙂