The United States is home to some of the longest bridges in the world, spanning across rivers, bays, and other bodies of water to connect communities and improve transportation. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to the impressive Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel in Virginia, these structures are engineering marvels that have stood the test of time. Some of the longest bridges in the US include the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana, Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, in Louisiana, and the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan. These bridges are not only impressive feats of engineering but also important symbols of American ingenuity and determination.
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20. Sunshine Skyway Bridge Florida (6.66 km)
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge located in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. It spans 6.66 kilometers (4.1 miles) across the mouth of Tampa Bay, connecting St. Petersburg to Bradenton. The bridge was first opened in 1987 as a replacement for a previous bridge that was destroyed in a ship collision. The bridge features a unique design, with four massive concrete piers that rise over 90 meters (300 feet) above the water, and a steel cable-stayed main span that is over 1.2 kilometers (4,000 feet) long. The bridge offers breathtaking views of the bay and surrounding areas and is a popular spot for sightseeing and photography. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is considered one of the most beautiful bridges in the United States and is considered a major transportation corridor in the area.
19. Chesapeake Bay Bridge, Maryland (7.00 km)
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is a major transportation corridor that connects the Maryland Eastern Shore with the Western Shore of the state. The bridge spans over 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) and is considered one of the engineering marvels of the modern world. The bridge has two spans, the older of which is a cantilever bridge, and the newer is a parallel-span cable-stayed bridge. The bridge was first opened in 1952 and has since undergone several renovations and improvements to increase safety and accommodate increased traffic. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge offers breathtaking views of the bay and surrounding areas and is a popular spot for sightseeing and photography. It is also a major route for trucking and commuting.
18. James River Drawbridge VA (7.07 km)
The James River Drawbridge, also known as the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, is a 7.07 km long drawbridge that spans the James River in Virginia, USA. The bridge connects the cities of Jamestown and Scotland and is a major transportation infrastructure that carries vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. The bridge is a double-swing bridge that allows ships to pass through. The bridge is unique in that it is one of the few remaining double-swing bridges in the United States, and it is also the only bridge of its kind in Virginia. The bridge is also notable for its historical significance, as it is located near the site of the first permanent English settlement in America, Jamestown, founded in 1607. The bridge was originally built in the 1920s and has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years to ensure it continues to meet the needs of the community it serves.
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17. San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge (7.18 km)
The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, also known as the Bay Bridge, is a 7.18 km long bridge that connects the cities of San Francisco and Oakland in California, USA. The bridge is a major transportation infrastructure that carries over 270,000 vehicles per day, making it one of the busiest bridges in the world. The Bay Bridge was built in the 1930s and opened to the public in 1936. The bridge consists of two sections, the western section which is a suspension bridge, and the eastern section which is a self-anchored suspension bridge. The bridge is also a major tourist attraction and offers beautiful views of San Francisco Bay and the surrounding area. The bridge is also known for its unique and iconic design, featuring two main steel towers that support the roadway. It was an important infrastructure project of the time, and it symbolizes the resilience of the people of San Francisco after the devastating earthquake of 1906.
16. Maestri Bridge New Orleans (7.69 km)
The Maestri Bridge, originally known as the Pontchartrain Bridge, is a cantilever bridge that spans Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana, USA. It connects the north shore of the lake to the south shore, providing a crucial link between the cities of Mandeville and New Orleans. The bridge was renamed the Watson-Williams Pontchartrain Bridge in the 1960s, before being renamed again in the 1980s to its current name, the Five Mile Bridge. The bridge is notable for its unique design, which utilizes a cantilever structure to support the bridge’s roadway. The bridge is 5 miles long and is an important transportation infrastructure for the cities it connects. It is a major route for vehicles and is also used by pedestrians.
15. Mackinac Bridge, Michigan (8.03 km)
The Mackinac Bridge is an 8.038 km long bridge that spans across the Straits of Mackinac in Michigan, connecting the towns of Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. The bridge serves as an important transportation link for the local residents and visitors, providing access to the Upper Peninsula and Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The bridge was built in the 1950s, and its construction was a challenging task because of the Straits of Mackinac’s strong currents and storms. The bridge is elevated above the strait which makes it safe from flooding and other natural disasters. The Mackinac Bridge is an important symbol of American ingenuity and determination, it was built in a remote and challenging location and has stood the test of time. The bridge is also known for its scenic views of the Straits of Mackinac, making it a popular spot for sightseeing and photography.
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14. Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge 8.4 km
The Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge is an 8.4 km long bridge that spans across the Croatan Sound in North Carolina, connecting the towns of Manns Harbor and Roanoke Island. The bridge serves as an important transportation link for the local residents and visitors, providing access to the Outer Banks. The bridge was built in the 1960s, and its construction was a challenging task because of Croatan Sound’s strong currents and storms. The bridge is elevated above the sound which makes it safe from flooding and other natural disasters. The Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge is an important symbol of American ingenuity and determination, it was built in a remote and challenging location and has stood the test of time. The bridge is also known for its scenic views of the Croatan Sound and the Outer Banks, making it a popular spot for sightseeing and fishing.
13. I-10 Twin Span Bridge (8.70 km)
The I-10 Twin Span Bridge is an 8.70 km long bridge that spans across Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana, connecting the towns of New Orleans and Slidell. The bridge serves as an important transportation link for the local residents and visitors, providing access to the Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern Shore. The bridge was built in the 1960s, and its construction was a challenging task because of Lake Pontchartrain’s strong currents and storms. The bridge is elevated above the lake which makes it safe from flooding and other natural disasters. The I-10 Twin Span Bridge is an important symbol of American ingenuity and determination, it was built in a remote and challenging location and has stood the test of time. The bridge is also known for its scenic views of Lake Pontchartrain and the Gulf of Mexico, making it a popular spot for sightseeing and fishing.
12. Richmond-San Rafael Bridge (8.85) km
The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge is an 8.851 km long bridge that spans across San Francisco Bay in California, connecting the cities of Richmond and San Rafael. The bridge serves as an important transportation link for local residents and visitors, providing access to the San Francisco Bay Area. The bridge was built in the late 1950s, and its construction was a challenging task because of San Francisco Bay’s strong currents and storms. The bridge is elevated above the Bay which makes it safe from flooding and other natural disasters. The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge is an important symbol of American ingenuity and determination, it was built in a remote and challenging location and has stood the test of time. The bridge is also known for its scenic views of San Francisco Bay and the Bay Area, making it a popular spot for sightseeing and fishing.
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11. Norfolk Southern Lake Pontchartrain Bridge (9.22 km)
The Norfolk Southern Lake Pontchartrain Bridge is a 9.22 km long railway bridge that spans across Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana, connecting the cities of New Orleans and Slidell. The bridge serves as an important transportation link for the local residents and visitors, providing access to the Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern Shore. The bridge was built in the late 1800s, and its construction was a challenging task because of Lake Pontchartrain’s strong currents and storms. The bridge is elevated above the lake which makes it safe from flooding and other natural disasters. The Norfolk Southern Lake Pontchartrain Bridge is an important symbol of American ingenuity and determination, it was built in a remote and challenging location and has stood the test of time. It is also known for being one of the oldest and longest railway bridges in the US.
10. General W.K. Wilson Jr. Bridge (9.78 km)
The General W.K. Wilson Jr. Bridge, also known as the “Dolly Parton Bridge,” is a 9.785 km long bridge that spans across the Mobile River in Alabama, connecting the towns of Mobile and Prichard. The bridge serves as an important transportation link for the local residents and visitors, providing access to Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The bridge was built in the 1980s, and its construction was a challenging task because of the Mobile River’s strong currents and storms. The bridge is elevated above the River which makes it safe from flooding and other natural disasters. The General W.K. Wilson Jr. Bridge is an important symbol of American ingenuity and determination, it was built in a remote and challenging location and has stood the test of time. It is also known for its scenic views of the Mobile River and the Gulf of Mexico, making it a popular spot for sightseeing and fishing.
9. Seven Mile Bridge (10.88 km)
The Seven Mile Bridge is a 10.888 km long bridge that spans across the Florida Keys in the US, connecting the towns of Marathon and Knight’s Key. The bridge serves as an important transportation link for the local residents and visitors, providing access to the Florida Keys. The bridge was built in the 1980s, and its construction was a challenging task because of the Florida Keys’ remote location and environmental sensitivity. The bridge is elevated above the water which makes it safe from flooding and other natural disasters. The Seven Mile Bridge is an important symbol of American ingenuity and determination, it was built in a remote and challenging location and has stood the test of time. The bridge is also known for its scenic views of the Florida Keys and the Gulf of Mexico, making it a popular spot for sightseeing, fishing, and biking.
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8. San Mateo-Hayward Bridge (11.26 km)
The San Mateo-Hayward Bridge is an 11.26 km long bridge that spans across San Francisco Bay in California, connecting the towns of San Mateo and Hayward. The bridge serves as an important transportation link for local residents and visitors, providing access to the San Francisco Bay Area. The bridge was built in the 1960s, and its construction was a challenging task because of San Francisco Bay’s strong currents and storms. The bridge is elevated above the Bay which makes it safe from flooding and other natural disasters. The San Mateo-Hayward Bridge is an important symbol of American ingenuity and determination, it was built in a remote and challenging location and has stood the test of time. The bridge is also known for its scenic views of San Francisco Bay and the Bay Area, making it a popular spot for sightseeing and fishing.
7. Jubilee Parkway (12.07 km)
The Jubilee Parkway is a 12.07 km long bridge that spans across Mobile Bay in Alabama, connecting the towns of Daphne and Spanish Fort. The bridge serves as an important transportation link for the local residents and visitors, providing access to the Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern Shore. The bridge was built in the 1990s, and its construction was a challenging task because of Mobile Bay’s strong currents and storms. The bridge is elevated above the Bay which makes it safe from flooding and other natural disasters. The Jubilee Parkway is an important symbol of American ingenuity and determination, it was built in a remote and challenging location and has stood the test of time. The bridge is also known for its scenic views of Mobile Bay and the Eastern Shore, making it a popular spot for sightseeing and fishing.
6. Louisiana Highway 1 Bridge (13.28 km)
The Louisiana Highway 1 Bridge is a 13.289 km long bridge that spans across the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana, connecting Leeville and Grand Isle. It is the longest bridge in Louisiana and serves as an important transportation link for the local residents and visitors, providing access to the Gulf of Mexico. The bridge was built in the 1980s, and its construction was a challenging task because of the Gulf of Mexico’s strong currents and storms. The bridge is elevated above the Gulf of Mexico which makes it safe from flooding and other natural disasters. The Louisiana Highway 1 Bridge is an important symbol of American ingenuity and determination, it was built in a remote and challenging location and has stood the test of time. The bridge is also known for providing a vital connection for the oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Mexico.
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5. Bonnet Carre Spillway Bridge (17.70 km)
The Bonnet Carre Spillway Bridge is a 17.702 km long bridge that spans across the Mississippi River in Louisiana, connecting the towns of Norco and Montz. It is a part of the Bonnet Carre Spillway, an important flood control structure that diverts water from the Mississippi River into Lake Pontchartrain during times of high water. The bridge was built in the 1930s, and its construction was a challenging task because of the Mississippi River’s strong currents and floods. The bridge is elevated above the river and it serves as an important transportation link for local residents and visitors. The Bonnet Carre Spillway Bridge is an important symbol of American ingenuity and determination, it was built in a remote and challenging location and has stood the test of time. It is also known for being a part of the infrastructure that helps protect the region from Mississippi River floods.
4. Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (28.30 km)
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is a 28.30 km long bridge-tunnel system that connects Virginia Beach and the Eastern Shore of Virginia. It spans the Chesapeake Bay and serves as an important transportation link for local residents and visitors. The bridge-tunnel system was built in the 1960s, and its construction was a challenging task because of the deep waters and strong currents of the bay. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel comprises two 1-mile-long tunnels, two bridges, and four man-made islands. The bridge tunnel is elevated above the bay which makes it safe from flooding and other natural disasters. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is an important symbol of American ingenuity and determination, it was built in a remote and challenging location and has stood the test of time. It is also known for being one of the most expensive infrastructure projects in the US.
3. Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, Louisiana (29.29 km)
The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge is a 29.29-long bridge that spans across the Atchafalaya Basin in Louisiana. The bridge connects the towns of Baton Rouge and Lafayette and serves as an important transportation link for local residents and visitors. The bridge was built in the late 1970s, and its construction was a challenging task because of the remote location and the environmental sensitivity of the area. The Atchafalaya Basin is known for its diverse ecological system and the bridge’s design was developed to minimize the impact on the surrounding environment. The bridge is elevated above the basin which makes it safe from flooding and other natural disasters. The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge is an important symbol of American ingenuity and determination, it was built in a remote and challenging location and has stood the test of time.
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2. Manchac Swamp Bridge, Louisiana (36.69 km)
The Manchac Swamp Bridge is a 36.69 km long bridge that spans across the Manchac Swamp in Louisiana, connecting the towns of LaPlace and Hammond. It is the second longest bridge over water in the United States, behind the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. The bridge was built in 1979 and its construction was a challenging task because of the swamp’s low-lying and marshy terrain. The bridge offers a scenic view of the swamp and serves as an important transportation link for the local residents and visitors. It is elevated above the swamp, making it safe from flooding and other natural disasters. The bridge is also known as “The Twin Span Bridge” as it is divided into two bridges, the eastbound and westbound lanes.
1. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway (38.44 km)
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is the longest bridge over water in the United States, spanning 38.4 miles across Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana. The bridge connects the north and south shores of the lake and is a vital transportation link for residents and visitors in the area. The bridge was built in the 1950s, comprising two parallel bridges, each with a length of 38.44 km, with a maximum clearance of 18 feet above sea level.
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is considered an engineering marvel and it offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding areas. It is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and sightseeing, with many visitors enjoying the scenic drive across the bridge. The bridge is also used as a location for movies, TV shows, and commercials. The causeway is open 24/7 and there are no tolls for the passage, which makes it an attractive option for local residents and tourists alike. Additionally, the causeway has a lane for bicycles and pedestrians, which makes it accessible to all.
The bridge is an important symbol of American ingenuity and determination, as it was constructed in a remote and challenging location, and has stood the test of time. It’s an iconic landmark and an important part of the infrastructure of Louisiana and the US.