Since ancient times, people have tried to embrace the immensity - to go around the mountains, cross the seas and oceans. And for these purposes, special structures were created that were striking in their uniqueness and outstanding architecture. In this article we will consider the most unusual bridges that have earned prizes and awards.
Old europe
Let's start with the Kappelbrücke bridge in Lucerne. He is known for his interior: paintings of the 17th century that tell about the life of that time. They survived 25 pieces from the once 110. The bridge itself was built in 1333 and rightfully bears the title of the oldest wooden bridge in Europe. Most of the structure was completely lost during a fire that occurred about 20 years ago. However, today it attracts tourists from all over the world. Everyone wants to see this bridge-gallery.
Well, the famous Rialto in Venice is considered the oldest bridge in Europe. It has been crossing the Grand Canal since 1181. For almost four hundred years he stood absolutely untouched, and only in 1551 the authorities decided to reconstruct it. They say that the famous Palladio and Michelangelo offered their projects, but the young Antonio de Ponte got the right to modernize. This caused criticism and mistrust in high circles, but the architect challenged, and the bridge is in perfect condition and today performs its functions.
The longest bridges in the world
So, the first place in this category is occupied by the Chinese Danyang-Kunshan. The length of the structure is exactly 102 miles. The bridge is covered by the railway, which is part of the highest-speed route for Beijing-Shanghai trains. The construction began in 2006, and the project costs amounted to almost $ 9 million. The weight of the structure is enormous - more than 450 thousand tons!
Bridges of Japan are a real miracle of engineering. What is the unusual spiral bridge Kawazu-Nanadaru, built on a high mountain slope, or Kiki, made in the form of the letter "u" and hanging over the abyss without a single support. But perhaps the most significant project is a structure called Akashi - the longest suspension bridge in the world. Its full length is almost four kilometers! The bridge was built over twelve years. And the most interesting thing is that the architects did not try to break someone's record. It happened. In 1995, when an earthquake struck Japan, it became necessary to add a few more sections to the bridge, thanks to which he became a champion. To date, the total length of all sections is 300 thousand kilometers. The Akashi Bridge is enough to surround the Earth 7.5 times!
Do not look down!
The following are unusual bridges that are considered the tallest in the world.
So, a bridge called Millau in France. It is even listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The height of this masterpiece of technology is 342 meters. The triumphant opening of the project took place in 2004, and the president of the country, Jacques Chirac, cut the ribbon. According to official figures, the cost of the construction amounted to 394 million euros. Driving drivers enjoy the views of all of France, and sometimes even fall into the clouds!
In 2009, the world was stunned by the opening of the Xi Du Bridge, which rises at an altitude of about 500 meters above the ground. This is above Big Ben, the pyramids of Giza, the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower! The bridge is located in the gorge of the Chinese province of Hubei. By the way, its construction was also very unusual. Due to the inconvenience of the terrain, it was not possible to use cranes or helicopters. Then special missiles were launched, to which they tied more than a kilometer of cable. Missiles were transported to the other side of the gorge. So not only the bridge itself is unique, but also the method of its construction too.
Another significant project in the category of “unusual bridges of the world” is the Sky Bridge. Its other name is Langkawi. It is located in Sky Bridge and can be reached by cable car. Langkawi - a pedestrian bridge. Its length is over one hundred meters, and its height is about 700 meters above sea level. Walking along the bridge, you can admire the most beautiful views of the rainforests and the Malaysian mountains.
Unique design
The unusual bridges of Singapore that are amazing are the Helix Bridge and the Henderson Waves.
Let's start with Helix. This bridge is not like the others due to its appearance - it resembles the structure of DNA. The opening of the building took place in early 2010. The construction of the bridge is mainly made of steel. And the uniqueness is given to him by the special lighting that was achieved with the help of LED strips. It is it that emphasizes this unique design.
Another amazing Singapore bridge is the Henderson Waves. It was specially designed to give shape to the waves. The construction connects two city parks and allows you to enjoy the most beautiful views of Singapore. The bridge is beautifully illuminated at night, which gives it even more mystery. The main components of the structure are wood and steel. Wood serves as a decoration of the park area of the bridge, and steel is the structural basis. Henderson's waves are equipped with viewing platforms and benches, which makes them a wonderful sightseeing spot.
Unusual bridge construction
The Falkirk wheel impresses with its appearance. After all, as the name implies, the bridge resembles a wheel. But the main feature of the project is its internal structure. Today, the Falkirk Wheel is not just a bridge, but the first and only ship lift in the world. The design is capable of making a revolution of 180 degrees. The ship floats into the first tier of the bridge, then the structure rotates and moves the boat to the upper tier. This is truly unusual!
The Slauerhofbrug Bridge is Leeuwarden's bizarre structure. Its construction was caused by the huge number of shipping vehicles in the country. It was necessary to build a bridge that could lower and rise back quickly enough. And Slauerhofbrug became such a decision. It was built in 2000 on the basis of hydraulics. The bridge has iron and steel structures that allow it to lower and rise 10 times a day.
Misty Albion
There are unusual bridges in England. The Tower Bridge is famous all over the world. He is the calling card of the country and the symbol of London. The discovery took place in 1894. It was attended by the Prince of Wales. Tower Bridge is one of the most recognizable in the world. Its unusualness is not only in design, but also in design: with the help of hydraulics, the upper part can move up and down. Thanks to this, large vessels can sail under the bridge.
Gateshead Millennium Bridge was opened by the Queen of England in 2002. Its uniqueness is that it is able to stoop. When the structure is tilted in one direction, it turns into a pedestrian road, when in the other, large vessels pass under the bridge.
Another unusual English bridge was called "Rolling". Its construction was completed in 2004. On Fridays, the octagonal structure of the bridge is transformed. Moreover, during the day he is going back. Such metamorphoses are possible due to the unique hydraulics. In general, the Tower Bridge, and Gateshead, and Rolling - these are movable bridges.
Golden Gate
On the American continent, you should pay attention to such large bridges as Brooklyn in New York and Golden Gate in San Francisco. Brooklyn Bridge was built in 1883 and has become a symbol of the city, its business card and real decoration.
The Golden Gate is a symbol not only of San Francisco, but of the whole of America. They are the peculiar gates of the continent. About $ 35 million was spent on the construction of the project. In 1937, when the bridge was opened, he broke two records at once, becoming the tallest and longest of the suspension bridges in the world. Despite the fact that in the future the record was broken, the Golden Gate is still popular today for its red color and magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean.
