“Blessed are the curious for they shall have adventures.” – Lovelle Drachman
The human being is a creature with unlimited capacity to innovate and create; this is a fact that has been objectified in the many remarkable architectural monuments erected by mankind. We present for you some of these man-made marvels that have been known globally for being the most treacherous bridges that a road-tripper worth his/her salt shall ever dare to cross.
So, get ready to let adrenaline course through your veins as you envisage that ideal self-drive road trip that will set free the daredevil within you.
Constructed in the year 1929 at Canon City in Colorado, USA, the Royal Gorge Bridge enjoyed the distinction of being the highest suspension bridge in the world for nearly 75 years till another constructed in China took over its place in the year 2001. It crosses the gorge at a stupendous 955 ft above the Arkansas River, and still remains the highest suspension bridge in the United States.
One of the most popular destinations in the state of Colorado with more than 500,000 visitors setting foot upon it annually, this architectural gem now has an entire theme park built around it that includes more than a dozen enthralling attractions.
The Storseisundet Bridge is located in the Midwest section of the Norwegian coastline, and is the longest of the eight bridges that make up the Atlanterhavsveien (Atlantic Road), which connects mainland Romsdal Peninsula to the island of Averøya in Møre og Romsdal County, Norway.
Described as “the road to nowhere”, the Storseisundet is constructed in such a way that from a particular angle it appears to just end abruptly, giving the illusion that any vehicle approaching it from that end will just fly out and drop dead in the waters below. Though perfectly safe in reality, the ‘Drunk Bridge’ (as locals call it) is known for its sharp bends and exhilarating driving experience.
Opened to public in July, 1989, this Norwegian edifice spans 260 mt (850 ft) lengthwise with a maximum clearance to the sea of 23 mt (75 ft).
The Kuandinsky Bridge in Russia’s Trans-Baikal Region (aka the Vitim River Bridge) is undoubtedly one of the most frightening bridges in the world.
Stretching 570 mt in length and only 50 ft above the waters of Vitim River, this structure leaves motorists dangerously navigating a miniscule six-foot-wide path with no barrier or other fail-safe measures to keep the cars from falling into the frozen water below. What makes matters worse are the wooden planks covering the old metal structure, which are rendered slippery especially during the winters owing to frequent snow and ice.
Originally built to be part of the Baikal–Amur Mainline Railway, the Vitim River Bridge has become more popular than ever in recent years, with adrenaline junkies citing it as the ultimate test of daredevilry.
A truly magnificent cable-stayed suspension bridge, the Millau Viaduct runs across the Tarn Valley located near Millau in Southern France. An Anglo-French project, this modern architectural and engineering wonder was designed by French structural engineer Michel Virlogeux and English architect Norman Foster.
As of November 2018, the Millau Viaduct is the tallest bridge in the world with structural height of a whopping 336.4 mt (1,104 ft). Constructed over a period of three years, it was formally inaugurated on 14 December, 2004 and has since then established itself as one of the must-visit monuments in France which offers spectacular views and an unparalleled high.
China is the leading force in the world when it comes to pushing the boundaries of what man can achieve by meticulously employing his skill and means. One such incredible feat, from amongst quite a few, is the superb Chinese installation known as the Duge Bridge (also referred to as the Beipanjiang Bridge).
A cable-stayed bridge located on the border between the provinces of Guizhou and Yunnan in China, the Duge is the highest bridge in the world with the road deck perched at an unbelievable height of over 565 mt (1,850 ft) above the mighty Beipan River.
The construction of the structure was completed in September, 2016 and was inaugurated in December of the same year. Affording dizzying views of the surrounding limestone peaks and the canyon below, the Duge stretches 1,340 mt (4,400 ft) between Xuanwei City, Yunnan and Shuicheng County in Guizhou.
We at Adventures Overland are passionate in our pursuit of enabling our patrons towards discovering uncharted territories. If there is any place in the world that sets your heart racing and your feet itching to travel, reach out to us and we will organize the perfect Tailormade Journey that will cater to all your particular needs and requirements.
