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Friday, September 3, 2010

The Scariest Bridges From Around the World

Posted by By flapjack

From: http://itthing.com/

For the most part, bridges offer people an easier way to commute from one place to another and are truly a blessing. These incredible and outrageously scary bridges from around the world shown here might be helpful in a sense, but if you have a fear of heights or any sort of the manner, these bridges will haunt you in your sleep. An unbelievable list of sky high vehicular bridges, super high suspension bridges, and creepy rope bridges; there is surely something here to cause you some chills or thrills.

Millau Bridge, France

One of the world’s tallest vehicular bridges elevated 1,125-ft above the Tarn Valley in southern France is the Millau Bridge. Driving over this bridge has got to be one most thrilling experiences of a lifetime and not a ride for those afraid of heights or bridges! Just somewhat taller than the Eiffel Tower, The Millau Bridge has a total length of 8,071-ft and extends 885.8 feet (270 meters) above the river below. Recently built and opened to the public in 2004 this bridge provides unimaginative views that pictures alone just can’t capture.

Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado, US

The Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado in the United States holds the record for the tallest suspension bridge in the world with its roadbed towering at 1,053 feet (321 meters) above the ground below. You can walk or drive this bridge, at approximately 1,270 feet long it makes for a breathless journey. Built in 1929 for $350,000 weighing roughly 1500 tons, the cost today would easily exceed $15 million. Taking care of this aged bridge is no small feat either- the walkway alone is made of 1,270 planks of deck; about 250 are replaced annually.

Hussaini – Borit Lake, Pakistan

Perhaps the most dangerous of all the bridges in the world is the Hussaini- Borit Lake Bridge. There is absolutely no way this is safe but is actually used on a regular basis by those attempting to travel to the larger cities in northern Pakistan. The bridge (if you can even call it that) is very old, missing planks, extremely narrow, and high above the lake. If you are searching for extreme thrills then this bridge might be a delight for you, however for the majority of visitors and locals alike the bridge is truly death-defying and fearful. It is not known exactly how many people may have become a casualty while crossing this treacherous structure, but more than enough so take heed.

Aiguille du Midi at the Mont Blanc Mountain, France

A very, very small short bridge that connects two mountains might not seem scary at first glance, but take a larger exterior examination and you truly might just have a panic attack seeing how high up this structure really is. Aiguille du Midi in the French Alps is most certainly the most incredible connection in the world sitting at approximately 3842 m high. While delivering breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc Mountain, this observational platform allows you to truly reach the stars.

Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, Nortern Ireland

At just 20 meters long and 30 meters above the rocks near Ballintoy, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge swings to and fro as people walk across the terrifying rope bridge which links the mainland to the tiny Carrick Island. On a windy day, just hold on tight as this bridge will surely take your breath away and leave you fearful of heights for a lifetime to come.

Loboc Hanging Bridge, Philippines

Anything that moves while you walk on it is daunting in my books, therefore this hanging bridge in the Philippines swings onto the list. At only about 20 meters high, it is built with steel cables and woven strips of bamboo. The bridge itself was built with long steel cables, so it is not as untrustworthy as many of the others, but it does give way to a bit of a bounce as you traverse over it making for a fearful crossing. Built in 1972, the bridge is still sturdy and more of a tourist attraction these days than a necessity; it brings the locals and visitors just over the lake.

Taman Negara National Park Bridge, Malaysia

Claimed to be the world’s longest canopy walkway, the Tama Negara National Park Bridge is a terrifyingly unstable hanging rope bridge that measures approximately 500 meters long. Created out mere netting, ropes, planks, and a few ladders, it consists of a long and winding pathway of rope bridges that connect via trees. Sitting at 50 meters above the ground it is plenty high up to scare those with a fear of heights and it shakes something fierce as people walk from post to post taking photos of the views. A must see and an exciting tourist attraction for the likes of those looking for some serious thrills.

Hanging Bridge of Ghasa, Nepal

Created out of necessity and in hopes of eliminating the congestion in town due to herds of animals constantly being walked up and down the narrow roads, the villagers in Nepal developed the Hanging Bridge of Ghasa, a very long and daunting suspension bridge, to help curb the traffic. This bridge is used by the locals and the animals on a daily basis so perhaps they are used to its unsteady and dilapidated state, I however just get chills looking at it. The height is unknown but judging from the photographs it is high enough to seriously injure or kill an unlucky creature should they fall.

Arenal Hanging Bridges, Costa Rica

Should you ever find yourself trekking through the Costa Rican rainforest, there is a good chance you may come across the Arenal Hanging Bridges. There are a total of 6 suspension bridges, each with its own scare factor; the largest one at about 100 meters long and 45 meters off the ground. The bridges and hike makes for a gripping and shaky adventure if you are up to the challenge.

Hanging Bridge at Trift Glacier, Switzerland

One of the most beautiful places in the world is home to one of the most spectacular and intimidating bridges ever. The Trift Bridge sits directly above the Trift Glacier at 100 meters high, 170 meters long, and is considered to be one of the longest and highest pedestrian suspension bridges in the Alps. You can hike or take the cable car to get to this impressive bridge which often times looks out to raging frozen waters and spectacular views.

Canopy Walk in Kakum Nat’l Park, Ghana

The Kakum National Park offers a long sequence of hanging bridges throughout the forests covering known as the Canopy Walk. There are over 7 bridges that expand to a length of over 330 meters or 1,080 ft long and 40 meters or 130 feet high. The Canopy is made out of netting and wires and maintains safety inspection, however with the large number of visitors and incredible heights it just screams out scary to me. It does, however offer an incredible view of the forest if you can handle the heights and daring nature of walking high up in the trees.

Musou Tsuribashi bridge, Japan

Built sometime in the 50’s and obviously not well kept, this old suspension bridge in the Southern Japanese Alps known as Musou Tsuribashi, is distinguished as Japan’s scariest bridge and for a good reason. It is an extremely high and narrow bridge created with old wood, some rope and swings more than a monkey on a tire. With the winds blowing it from side to side this is surely enough of a freak out factor to make anyone turn back and take the long route. Fortunately this bridge is pretty much in the middle of nowhere so your chances of crosses its path are slim, but if in the unlikely chance you do happen upon it.. avoid it!

Capilano Suspension Bridge , British Columbia – Canada

A true tourist attraction, this long and incredibly high up suspension bridge has me very thankful I don’t have an extreme fear of heights. Noted as Vancouver’s oldest tourist attraction, this bridge stretches 450 feet (137m) across and 230 feet (70m) above the Capilano River. Beautiful views abound here, yet the height is incredibly overwhelming.

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