Where are the world’s most beautiful railway bridges? Engineering marvels become big tourist hits
These amazing feats of engineering allow trains to navigate the steepest valleys and cross the deepest rivers.
We’ve got a serious weakness for spectacular railway bridges. Nothing beats rumbling across valleys and rivers while soaking up views of the gorgeous landscapes unfolding below.
And they’re no longer simply feats of engineering – they’re landmarks that put destinations on the map and visual reminders of the evolution of civil engineering.
This year, one of the most striking in Europe, Scotland’s Forth Bridge, is marking 10 years since it was granted UNESCO World Heritage status – one of just a few railway bridges to receive the accolade. What’s more, this month it celebrates its 135th anniversary.
This iconic cantilever railway bridge located across the Firth of Forth, is such a part of Scotland’s pride and cultural heritage that you’ll find it illustrated on some Scottish banknotes.
How have railway bridges changed over time?Just like railways themselves, bridges don’t look the same as they did a century ago.
“Railway bridges have evolved significantly over the past 100 years,” says Professor Luke Prendergast, an expert in civil engineering (and bridges specifically) at the University of Nottingham. “In the past, masonry arch-type bridges were common,” he adds.
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“These heavy stone structures looked beautiful but eventually gave way to steel bridges with truss systems.”
But don’t make the mistake of assuming metal bridges can’t be works of art, too.
“Steel allowed longer spans to be created,” points out Professor Prendergast.
“The newest bridges tend to be made from reinforced concrete and other composite materials, but all of these structures can be aesthetically pleasing, and it’s a matter of personal opinion when it comes to whether the original masonry style is easier on the eye!”
Don’t look down: Where are the world’s highest railway bridges?While the newest skyscrapers are often the tallest, the same doesn’t apply to railway bridges. Montenegro’s Mala Rijeka Viaduct became the world’s highest railway bridge when it opened in 1973.
That title has now been taken by a newer bridge in Guizhou, China.
But the Mala Rijeka Viaduct’s stats are still impressive – at its highest point, the 499-metre-long bridge hovers 200 metres above the river below. Unsurprisingly, a structure of this size needs some serious support, and the largest pillar rests on a base that is the same size as a tennis court.
Southern France’s Viaur Viaduct might not have the height of the Mala Rijeka Viaduct, but it’s no less impressive. The beautiful steel structure was built in 1902.
Famous for its elegant design and soaring arches, its longest span measures 220 metres. Architect Paul Bodin achieved its graceful look by embracing a new technique known as balanced arches, which allowed less metal to be used, and relied on a counterbalancing technique rather than extra materials to provide strength.
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