Ten Bridges That Changed The Face Of Their Cities
From arch-shaped and beam ones in ancient times, to suspension and truss ones in modern, some bridges have defined the architectural history of their cities. In fact, the historical chronology of some cities, and the skylines of others, would not be complete without naming the bridges they boast. Not only were these bridges the connecting link for these cities' inhabitants but also a statement of their nations' architectural and aesthetic progress.
While the list of structures that chhouseanged the course of architectural history is long, PropGuide lists 10 bridges across the world that changed forever the face of the cities they were built in.
Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco, the US
When the stock crash of 1929 hit the markets and later snowballed into the 'Great Depression', authorities in San Francisco undertook two major infrastructure projects – the Golden gate project and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. The strong tides – both literally and financially – could not hinder the construction of what would soon be recognised as the longest suspended bridge in the world (the bridge has lost the title since) . The iconic bridge that opened in the year 1937 connects the Golden Gate Strait with the Pacific Ocean. The orange-coloured bridge, built after about 10 years of planning and four years of actual construction, is not only a shining example of architectural excellence the 'City by the Bay', but is also responsible for bringing the two communities of San Francisco and Marin counties together. The frequency with which this bridge appears in Hollywood flicks could be a measure of the structure's popularity.
Ponte Vecchio
Florence, Italy
When Adolf Hitler's German army was rampaging the city of Florence on the way of their retreat during the World War-II in 1944, the leader passed an order for not destroying the Ponte Vecchio Bridge on the Arno River. To stop the advancing enemies, they did, however, burn the buildings at both ends of the bridge. When disastrous floods hit the city again in 1966, there were fears of the bridge collapsing. But the old structure survived. The bridge that connects the city centre with the Oltrarno district is to this day occupied by traders of jewels, artefacts and souvenirs, a common vocation in the medieval times. The bridge that stood the test of time has been rebuilt and renovated several times since its inception in 996 AD (the first mention of the bridge is found in documents dating back to that time) . Its current structure was built in 1350 after the original was destroyed by a flood in 1333. It is also believed that the bridge is responsible for the coinage of the term, bankruptcy. The bridge in Florence is indeed a living legend, representing the history, trade, architectural harmony and survival of the Roman city.
Brooklyn Bridge
New York City, the US
A mix of cable-stayed work and suspension, the Brooklyn Bridge on the East River, which connects the two boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, was named the National Historic Landmark in 1964 by the government. The construction work of the bridge, which saw the demise of the original planner of German origin, John Augustus Roebling – he and his son Washington Roebling fell prey to decompression sickness, besides at least 20 workers who dies due to what was named the 'caisson disease' – was completed in 1883. Built at the cost of $15 million at the time, the construction work was completed in 14 years. Originally named the New York and Brooklyn Bridge, the six-lane structure at present carries at least 150,000 vehicles and pedestrians every day. Again a prominent feature in several Hollywood movies and television serials, the bridge is an architectural narrative of the technological advancement. Also dubbed the eighth wonder of the world, the bridge changed the fate of New York City by proving a great connect for the massive populations of Brooklyn and Manhattan. The bridge, which became a cultural sensation right after its completion, is among the top tourist attractions in city, besides being an extremely busy thoroughfare.
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Kobe-Natuto, Japan
There was immense pressure on authorities to build a bridge when a ferry sank in the Akashi Strait, killing many. What was built as a result was not only a saviour but also a specimen of Japan's technological and engineering prowess. Situated in a country known for its technology, the modern-day bridge links Kobe city with Iwaya. With a length of 1,991 metres, it has the distinction of being the longest suspension bridge in the world. The construction work, which survived an earthquake, took 10 years, and the bridge was opened to public in 1998. For a country prone to earthquakes and typhoons both, architectural marvels like the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge are holding it together.
Tower Bridge
London, the UK
When the Prince of Wales in 1894 opened the Tower Bridge, spanning the Thames River, it was an addition to the iconic city's landmark bank. Criticised by many for its Victorian-Gothic design, the bridge was a result of an increased population and commercial activity in London, a key centre for world power in the 19th century. A combination of bascule and suspension, the Tower Bridge has undergone several facelift exercises, but it remains a key traffic mover to this day.
The Confederation Bridge
Prince Edward Island, Canada
An architectural feat carried out in Canada in the 20th century, the Confederation Bridge took about $1 billion and 5,000 construction workers to construct. It joins the country's Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick provinces and spans the Abegweit Passage of the Northumberland Strait. This eight-mile-long curved structure also has the distinction as the world's longest bridge over ice. More popular for its solidity than aesthetics, the multi-span beam bridge not only provided the provinces with great connectivity on its completion in 1997 but also led to an unprecedented increase in tourist visits and potato production in Prince Edward Island. The overall impact of the bridge on the country's economy has been enormous.
Tsing Ma Bridge
Hong Kong, China
As part of the plan to build an airport in the Lantau Island, the Hong Kong government built the bridge to connect Tsing Yi with Ma Wan across the channel. A bridge that carries both road and railway traffic, the Tsing Ma Bridge went through a heavy-wind-tunnel testing drill before its completion in 1997. Built at a cost of $920 million in a typhoon-prone country, the structure is a story of Hong Kong's modern infrastructural prowess. Designed by Mott MacDonald, the bridge is also among the major tourist attractions of the city.
Széchenyi Chain Bridge
Budapest, Hungary
This iconic suspension bridge that literally connects 'Buda' and 'Pest' spanning the Danube River opened in the year 1849. Popularly known as the Chain Bridge, it was also the first permanent bridge in the Hungarian capital. Unlike the bridge in Florence, Hitler's retreating army did not spare this structure; it went through many rebuilding exercises before and after. Originally designed by William Tierney Clark, the bridge is a great connecting link that narrates a whole cultural history that makes it an icon, not only for Hungary but for the world.
Pont du Gard Aqueduct
Gard, France
A water problem between 19 BC and 50 AD led to the construction of this bridge. An ancient Roman structure located in Vers-Pont-du-Gard, the bridge was part of Nîmes aqueduct. A tourist attraction for centuries, this bridge over the Gardon River was added to Unesco's World Heritage sites in 1985. Today, the Pont du Gard bridge stands tall despite fall of several empires and many destruction attempts. It is a living example of the ancient architectural engineering that would inspire generations to come.
Hussaini Hanging Bridge
Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Not all parts of the world have been fortunate enough to witness the advances of technological and engineering progress. A look at the Hussaini Hanging Bridge across the Hunza River in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan would be proof enough of this. Known as the most dangerous bridge in the world, the rope bridge attracts many a brave hiking lover every year. However, the more important fact about the bridge, and also a less emphasised one, is that it is the only way to reach the major cities of Northern Pakistan.
