Bridging the Gap with Billions: The World's Most Expensive Bridge Endeavors
10. China's Jiaozhou Bay Bridge
Located in Shandong, China, the Jiaozhou Bay Bridge is renowned for its immense size and intricate design, making it an engineering marvel. Opened in 2011, this impressive structure holds the title of the world's longest sea bridge, spanning an astonishing 42.5 kilometers across Jiaozhou Bay.
Constructed at a cost of $1.5 billion, the bridge connects the bustling port area of Huangdao with the city of Qingdao. Its six-lane roadway facilitates efficient vehicular traffic, while designated pedestrian walkways ensure safe passage for walkers and cyclists. This vital transit link enhances connectivity between the two regions, significantly contributing to local economic growth and development.
The Jiaozhou Bay Bridge, located in China ©4045/Shutterstock, is a monumental engineering achievement that cost $1.5 billion to construct. This impressive structure has significantly reduced travel times and alleviated traffic congestion, thereby promoting regional economic development.
To build the bridge, nearly 450,000 tons of steel were utilized—equivalent to the weight of 72 Eiffel Towers—making it one of the largest steel constructions ever completed. This immense use of materials not only underscores the bridge's scale but also its importance as a critical infrastructure project.
