A bridge that’s alive and growing
Most bridges are the result of detailed blueprints, metal scaffolds and the end result of the toils of hundreds of workers. But not so in wet, rainy Cherrapunji where bridges are grown instead! Meet the root bridges, extraordinary strong and extremely sassy-looking, those are alive and still growing. Special thanks go to the Khasi tribal people of Meghalaya who’ve tamed the roots to grow the way they’re expected to.
Get set, go!
Eshima Ohashi Bridge in Japan reminds you of the kind of bridges you find only in whacky racing games like Grand Theft Auto. Imagine having to cross this bridge on your way to work in the morning! It’s sure to brighten up even the dullest of Mondays. Of course, perspective is everything, they say – look straight at the bridge and it looks so steep that you’d expect vehicles to tumble down with the slightest braking, but look at it sideways and it’s not so terrifying.
London Bridge is rolling up!
London Bridge is rolling up, rolling down, rolling up…yes, after all what’s more convenient than a bridge that can be rolled up when not in use? When boat traffic across the Grand Union Canal needs to pass, the bridge curls up into a neat octagon and at other times looks smugly like any other ordinary bridge. Built in 2004, this is one of the engineering marvels in London.
Dropped down from the 16th century
As a tribute to Leonardo da Vinci, the Norwegians decided to use one of his designs from the 16th century to build this marvellous bridge. What’s most interesting about this bridge is the fact that many experts had claimed that it could not be built. Not only is it fully functional but also an amazing piece of art that was originally proposed to be built across the Golden Horn inlet in Istanbul, but rejected by the Sultan back then!
A bridge that’ll fly
A futuristic bridge with the appearance and abilities of a Terminator, the Slauerhoffbrug Bridge was designed to sense the surroundings and transform itself in order to let water traffic pass by. While road traffic does get stranded for a while, at least the drivers have something interesting to watch instead of the usual boring stuff we get to see in our cities. Only the faint at heart would worry about the bridge falling down with a bang onto the road traffic.
Parting the river like Moses did
Almost like the parting of the sea, this bridge has literally parted the river into two and all with the help of wood! Of course, it’s not any ordinary wood – it’s made of one of the toughest of its kind – Acoya wood that is resistant to constant exposure to water as well as with anti-fungal treatment to make it a safe and neat way to cross a river. In fact, from a long distance, it almost looks as if people are walking through the water. A modern day miracle, undoubtedly!
Let’s drive through the clouds
It’s normal to see clouds when you’re flying in a plane not when you’re driving through a bridge, right? But you will, if you’re crossing the Millau Viaduct. Scared of heights? Then you’ll probably not want to take a pep while on this bridge in France, because it’s taller than the Eiffel Tower! Of course, those who aren’t afraid, can not only enjoy stunning views of the valley from a height of over 1000 feet, but also bungee jump from there, if that’s their heart’s call!
Picture Credit : Google
