Infrastructure and Places Trivia

24 Worlds Amazing Bridges

Thousands of tourists have crowded onto and around San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge to celebrate the iconic structure's 75th birthday.

Crowds partied across its three-kilometer length, boats cruised on the water below and a finale of fireworks lit up the San Franciscan sky. 

It took four years to build, costing US$35 million and finally opened in 1937. It has remained one of the engineering world's most famous poster boys since. 

But it's not the only bridge that merits celebration.

Here are 23 others (plus San Fran's Golden Gate) that are worth a look.

1. Golden Gate Bridge: San Francisco, United States

A-list celebrity in the bridge world.

Now 75 years old, San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge is arguably the most recognizable bridge in the world.

While some may not be inspired by the industrial age suspension bridge design, it is undeniable that the San Francisco we know today would not be the same without its skyline being graced by this beauty. 

2. Sydney Harbour Bridge: Sydney, Australia

Good to look at, better to climb.

Nicknamed "The Coat Hanger" by Sydney locals because of its arch-based design, the Sydney Harbour Bridge opened in 1932 and is a focal point of Aussie pride and celebrations.

For aspiring bridge climbers, BridgeClimb offers people just that.

Every year for New Year's Eve the bridge itself is used to complement fireworks displays creating various effects like smiley faces and a disco ball.

3. Ponte Vecchio: Florence, Italy

Ancient Italy today.

A Medieval bridge over the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio is mainly known for its shops of jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers and for being Europe's oldest stone, closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge.

Regardless, the Ponte Vecchio Brige is gorgeous and has a rich history dating back to the time of the Romans. 

During World War II the bridge was not destroyed by the Nazis -- unlike many other bridges in Europe -- under an express order from Adolf Hitler.

4. Brooklyn Bridge: New York City, United States

Bagels, bars and Brooklyn Bridge: A New York trifecta.

Completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States.

A National Historic Landmark, the Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic feature of New York.

5. Gateshead Millennium Bridge: Gateshead, England

Trying to make up for north England's weather.

The Gateshead Millennium Bridge is the world's first and currently only tilting bridge. But the most amazing thing about this pedestrian and biker crossing of the Tyne River is that it appears as if an eye is winking whenever it is raised and lowered.

Its innovative and unique design has won loads of awards since Queen Elizabeth officially opened it in 2002.

It was lowered into place by Europe's largest floating crane -- Asian Hercules II.

6. Tsing Ma Bridge: Hong Kong, China

Shortcut to a dim sum lunch.

Hong Kong's Tsing Ma Bridge is the largest suspension bridge in the world to feature two decks and carry both road and rail traffic.

Not only that, but it was subjected to some serious wind tunnel testing as Hong Kong is subject to some powerful typhoons on a yearly basis. After costing HK$7.2 billion (US$920 million), the Tsing Ma Bridge opened