9 Amazing Fun Facts About Suspension Bridges That Will Surprise You!

1. Party-Proof Bridges

Suspension bridges were once like that overenthusiastic party guest: they'd get a little too wild with every gust of wind, until, well... collapse! But engineers' party-planning game has improved: The Tacoma Narrows Bridge disaster in 1940 taught them to incorporate open trusses and stiffening struts in modern suspension bridges to allow wind to pass freely and avoid disastrous twisting and vibrations.
Source => simscale.com

2. Windstorm Dance-Off

Hold on to your hats: Suspension bridges might be partying it up during high winds like an excited willow tree at a tornado gala, but when the gusts reach speeds of 70mph, even the great Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in New York City had to call it quits and close for a breather during a raucous 1988 windstorm dance-off.
Source => byjus.com

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=> Fun Facts about Bridges

3. Brooklyn Bridge: Uber for Boats

Before there was Uber for boats, there was something even more impressive to shuttle New Yorkers across the East River: Behold, the mighty Brooklyn Bridge! This marvel of engineering opened its gates on May 24, 1883, and at the time, earned the title of the longest suspension bridge in the world with a main span of 1,595.5 feet and a deck 127 ft above mean high water. Crafted by John A. Roebling and supervised by his son's impeccable engineering skills, the Brooklyn Bridge took 13 arduous years to complete, ultimately changing the game for East River crossings.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

4. Capilano's Green Adventure

If you find yourself wandering through the Canadian wilderness, debating whether to take the "suspension of disbelief" – or should we say, the "suspension bridge of belief" – then fear no more: The Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver spans a glorious 450 feet in length, soaring 230 feet above the Capilano River! Visitors who dare to cross can expect a hovering jaunt of 10-15 minutes, plenty of time to fill your eyes and hearts with the brilliant, green scenery that surrounds you.
Source => tripadvisor.com

5. Akashi-Kaikyo: Sushi-proof Bridge

Hold onto your sushi and brace for impact: The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge in Japan was constructed to survive winds up to 80 m/s and earthquakes as strong as 7.2 magnitude. Being a spectacle of engineering, it has a central span of 1,991m, making it one of the world's longest suspension bridges. Even the mighty 1995 Southern Hyogo Prefecture Earthquake couldn't halt its 10-year construction period. Thanks to modern tech like the "Dry air injection system" that prevents cable corrosion, this bridge is set to be the talk of the town for more than 200 years!
Source => jb-honshi.co.jp

6. George Washington: Former Heavyweight Champ

Ladies and gentlemen, let’s give it up for the George Washington Bridge, the reigning heavyweight champion of suspension bridges in 1931: In its prime, this mighty bridge stretched a whopping 4,760 feet across the Hudson River, connecting New Jersey to New York City. Alas, the world has seen longer bridges since then, with Japan's Akashi Kaikyō Bridge now holding the prestigious title.
Source => history.com

7. Millau Viaduct: LeBron James of Bridges

Behold the Millau Viaduct, the Eiffel Tower's taller and more practical cousin! It struts its stuff above the Tarn River, flaunting its otherworldly dimensions like the LeBron James of bridges: Standing at a jaw-dropping 336.4 meters (1,104 feet) tall and stretching for 2,460 meters (8,070 feet), it is the tallest bridge in the world, as well as a visually elegant passageway for the A75 autoroute in France. Built in 2004 with an investment of €394 million, this modern architectural marvel not only summons oohs and aahs but stands as a testament to humankind's engineering prowess.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

8. Union Bridge: Ancient Sailor's Masterpiece

Ahoy there, landlubbers! Ever heard of an ancient bridge that's been serving steadfastly since 20-year-olds were still in nappies? No, it's not a tale from the briny deep, but rather one from the slightly damp: The Union Bridge, built in 1820 by a former Royal Navy officer named Captain Samuel Brown, is still in use today, making it one of the oldest suspension bridges that still runs traffic on.
Source => bridgeinfo.net

9. Suspension Bridges on a "Diet"

Ever heard of dieters and suspension bridges having something in common? They both strive to cut the weight without falling apart: Incredibly, suspension bridges are light-as-a-feather yet strong-as-an-ox, using tension and compression to support their own weight without external supports. Some even ditch the cables and opt for chains, giving them that extra "slimming" effect. This nifty design lets them stretch across vast distances and snake into hard-to-reach places, making them the Keanu Reeves of civil engineering accomplishments.
Source => structuralguide.com