13 Longest Bridges in the USA: Top Engineering Marvels
Bridges serve as essential connections between cities, towns, or different parts of a region, making transportation more accessible and convenient. There are over 617,000 bridges in the United States, some considered the longest in the country.
As you explore these engineering marvels, it’s hard not to be impressed by their lengths and the stories behind their construction.
So, as you travel across the country, be sure to appreciate these remarkable architectural accomplishments that have stood the test of time.
Longest Bridges in the USA, by Length
1. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, 23.875 mi
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is the longest bridge in the US, spanning an impressive 23.83 miles.
This bridge connects Metairie and Mandeville in Louisiana, and helps you easily travel across the vast Lake Pontchartrain.
Consisting of two parallel bridges, the Causeway is a remarkable example of modern engineering and an essential transportation link in the region.
2. Manchac Swamp Bridge, 22.799 mi
Coming in as the second longest bridge in the US, The Manchac Swamp Bridge in Louisiana extends over 23 miles.
This impressive structure carries the Interstate 55 through the enthralling Manchac Swamp, providing a critical connection to key destinations in the region.
Its sturdy steel construction ensures safe passage for countless vehicles every day.
3. Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, 18.199 mi
The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, also known as the Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge, is a prominent bridge located in the state of Louisiana.
It carries Interstate 10 (I-10) across the Atchafalaya Basin, which is one of the largest wetland areas in the United States.
The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge is actually a pair of parallel bridges, one for eastbound traffic and the other for westbound traffic, collectively spanning approximately 18.2 miles (29.3 kilometers).
This makes it one of the longest bridges in the United States. The bridge is part of I-10, which is a major east-west interstate highway running across the southern part of the country.
4. Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, 17.584 mi
Providing a connection between Virginia’s coastal regions, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is an awe-inspiring construction combining bridge and tunnel elements.
Stretching across the Chesapeake Bay, this monumental achievement in engineering offers a key transportation route for both commercial and private vehicles, making it a vital lifeline in the area.
5. Jubilee Parkway, 7.499 mi
Jubilee Parkway, officially known as the I-10 Bayway, is a significant bridge and roadway system located in the Mobile Bay area of Alabama. It is part of Interstate 10 (I-10) and serves as a crucial transportation link in the region.
The cable-stayed bridge is an iconic feature of the Jubilee Parkway and serves as a recognizable landmark.
6. San Mateo-Hayward Bridge, 6.999 mi
The San Mateo-Hayward Bridge is a significant bridge that spans the San Francisco Bay, connecting the cities of San Mateo and Hayward in California. It carries State Route 92 (SR-92) across the bay and serves as a major transportation route in the region.
The San Mateo-Hayward Bridge is a long and wide bridge with a length of approximately 7 miles (11.3 kilometers). It consists of three parallel bridges: two for eastbound traffic and one for westbound traffic. The bridge provides a crucial connection between the East Bay and the San Francisco Peninsula.
The original bridge was completed in 1929 and was a two-lane structure. However, due to increasing traffic demands, the bridge was widened and replaced with a new structure in 1967. The current bridge is a six-lane highway bridge that accommodates both vehicular and bicycle traffic.
The San Mateo-Hayward Bridge offers scenic views of the San Francisco Bay and serves as a vital transportation link for the region’s commuters, residents, and travelers. It facilitates access between various communities, business centers, and recreational areas on both sides of the bay.
It’s important to note that bridge conditions and any potential updates or changes can occur over time. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is advisable to consult reliable sources or check with local transportation authorities in California.
7. Seven Mile Bridge, 6.765 mi
The stunning Seven Mile Bridge is an engineering masterpiece situated in the beautiful Florida Keys. As the name suggests, its length is approximately seven miles, traversing the gorgeous Moser Channel.
This bridge enables seamless transportation between the keys and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding waters.
8. General W.K. Wilson Jr. Bridge, 6.080 mi
Also known as the Dolly Parton Bridge, the General W.K. Wilson Jr. Bridge connects the two banks of the Mobile River in Alabama. Spanning over 2.5 miles, this bridge is an essential route for motorists traveling in the region. Its distinct arch design and cable-stayed construction provide stability while also adding a touch of architectural beauty to the surrounding landscape.
As you can see, these impressive bridges play a crucial role in connecting regions throughout the United States, offering transportation and showcasing the incredible accomplishments of modern engineering.
9. Richmond–San Rafael Bridge, 5.499 mi
10. Frank Davis “Naturally N’Awlins” Memorial Bridge
The I-10 Twin Span Bridge, also known as the I-10 Twin Spans, refers to a pair of bridges that carry Interstate 10 (I-10) over Lake Pontchartrain in southeastern Louisiana. These bridges connect the cities of New Orleans and Slidell, providing a critical transportation link in the region.
The original Twin Span Bridge, built in the 1950s, consisted of two separate two-lane bridges. However, these bridges were severely damaged during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, leading to their eventual demolition and reconstruction.
The current I-10 Twin Span Bridge, completed in 2011, features two parallel bridges with three lanes in each direction. The new bridges incorporate modern design elements and improved safety features to withstand the impact of hurricanes and enhance traffic flow.
The I-10 Twin Span Bridge is vital in facilitating travel and commerce between New Orleans and Slidell, serving as a key route for commuters and interstate travelers.
11. Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge, 5.219 mi
The Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge is a significant North Carolina bridge. It spans the Croatan Sound, connecting Roanoke Island and the mainland of Dare County.
The Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge carries U.S. Route 64 (US-64) and provides a vital transportation link for residents and visitors in the region. It serves as a gateway to the popular Outer Banks area, connecting the mainland to Roanoke Island, where the town of Manteo is located.
The bridge is named in honor of Virginia Dare, who is believed to be the first English child born in America. She was born in the Roanoke Colony on Roanoke Island in 1587.
The Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge is a bascule bridge, which means it has a movable span that can be raised to allow for the passage of boats and marine vessels. The bridge has a distinctive appearance and offers scenic views of the surrounding sound and marshland.
12. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge, 4.350 mi
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is a significant bridge complex that spans the Chesapeake Bay, connecting Maryland’s eastern and western shores. It has two main sections: the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge, commonly known as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and the parallel Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
The William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge, often referred to simply as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, is a suspension bridge that carries U.S. Route 50 and U.S. Route 301 over the Chesapeake Bay. It connects Sandy Point near Annapolis on the western shore to Kent Island on the eastern shore. The bridge’s main span measures approximately 4.3 miles (6.9 kilometers), making it one of the longest continuous over-water steel structures in the world.
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, on the other hand, is a complex system consisting of multiple bridges, tunnels, and causeways that crosses the Chesapeake Bay. It connects the Delmarva Peninsula (Virginia’s Eastern Shore) to Virginia Beach and Norfolk areas.
13. Sunshine Skyway Bridge, 4.140 mi
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a prominent bridge located in Florida. It spans Tampa Bay, connecting St. Petersburg in Pinellas County with Terra Ceia in Manatee County. The bridge carries Interstate 275 (I-275) and serves as a crucial transportation link in the region.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge, characterized by its distinctive tall pylons and cables that support the road deck. It is known for its elegant design and scenic views of the surrounding water.
The original Sunshine Skyway Bridge, constructed in 1954, was a steel through-truss bridge. However, a new bridge was built due to a tragic collision in 1980, where a ship struck the bridge’s supports, causing a section of the bridge to collapse.
The current Sunshine Skyway Bridge, completed in 1987, incorporates a modern cable-stayed design and includes improved safety features.