Warning: These Bridges Are Not for the Faint-Hearted

Dare to Cross? The Top 15 Most Dangerous Bridges in the World – Travel Caribou
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Dare to Cross? The Top 15 Most Dangerous Bridges in the World
By
Hannah D
/ Offbeat
Bridges are an engineering marvel, connecting people and places across rivers, valleys, and gorges. However, some bridges are not for the faint of heart. These dangerous bridges test the limits of human bravery and engineering ingenuity. From rickety rope bridges to dizzying heights, these structures are not for the faint of heart. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most dangerous bridges in the world. We will explore the terrifying heights, treacherous conditions, and incredible feats of engineering that have gone into building these bridges. So, buckle up and get ready to experience the thrill of crossing the line as we explore the most dangerous bridges in the world.
1. Hussaini Hanging Bridge, Pakistan
One look at the Hussaini Hanging Bridge should be enough to tell you why this is one of the most dangerous bridges in the world. Hussaini Hanging Bridge is one of many precarious crossings in the remote and rocky region of Upper Hunza in northern Pakistan. The rope bridge hangs over Borit Lake, and looks like it could collapse into the wild waters below at any moment.
The rope bridge is both long and poorly maintained. The decaying planks that form the walkway are few and far between, whilst the cables that keep it all in the air do nothing to inspire confidence.
Strong winds shake the bridge whilst you cross it, adding to its danger. That another decrepit bridge, this one in an even worse state, is strung up alongside just adds to the sense of drama.
Crossing the 399 steps of Hussaini Hanging Bridge is a nerve breaking experience, yet it still attract hundreds of hikers each year looking for an adrenaline rush. Northern Pakistan is an isolated location, high in the mountains and far from assistance. Just bear in mind that should anything go wrong here, no-one is coming to help.
2. Monkey Bridge, Vietnam
Said to be named after the stooped posture that must be adopted in order to cross safely, Vietnam’s Monkey Bridges are reserved for the agile and courageous.
These traditional crossings span countless streams and gullies and, whilst local people pass across without a second thought, those unfamiliar are advised to exercise extreme caution upon attempting a crossing.
Popular in the Mekong Delta, with its numerous waterways, the typical Monkey Bridge consists of a single bamboo log, laid over the stream or river in question, with a flimsy handrail to cling on to. Yet there are many variations, with some crude bridges made from coconut trees, and handrails not always present in extreme examples.
Called Cau Khi, Vietnam’s famous bridges are renowned for being dangerous and difficult to get across. Don’t want to risk plunging into the water below? Take our advice and leave these for the locals.
3. Quepos Bridge, Costa Rica
image: hex1848, Wikimedia Commons
The Quepos Bridge has got two alternative names — the Bridge of Death and the Oh My God Bridge. Needless to say, neither one inspires much confidence.
Linking Jaco and Quepos on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, this fragile structure dates back to the 1930s, built to aid the thriving banana trade upon which the local economy’s fortunes have been built. Unfortunately, little (or nothing) appears to have been done to improve or upgrade the crossing during the subsequent decades.
The bridge is narrow, although this is the least of its problems. The road surface is constructed from planks, although these are not nailed down and, unsecured, the wooden beams rattle and move with each vehicle that is driven across.
Bikes and cars head over here on a regular basis, as well as heavy trucks and lorries, with each crossing taking its toll on the decaying structure. Quepos isn’t called the Bridge of Death for nothing. You have been warned.
4. Seven Mile Bridge, Florida
The name says it all. Seven Mile Bridge is long — really long. Located in the Florida Keys, this feat of engineering links Knight’s Key with Little Duck Key and forms a vast network of bridges that span the beautiful waters here. Scenic it might be, but committing to a crossing can be a daunting experience. Once you’re on, you just have to keep going.
There are two bridges here — the original, which dates back to 1912, is now restricted to cyclists and pedestrians, although a large gap in the structure means that a full crossing is no longer possible.
The newer bridge teems with vacation traffic and, although this is much safer, certain risks endure. The sea bed is soft here and, for all its modern engineering, the bridge still sits on the foundations of a much older predecessor. Need to get across? Take a deep breath — and take your time.
5. Deception Pass Bridge, Washington State
Spectacular in the extreme, Deception Pass is also rather scary. Linking Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island, in beautiful Washington State, the historic bridge here is a much photographed and loved location, with exclusive views of the water and beaches below.
When the bridge was dedicated in 1935, around 700 cars crossed per day. These days, that figure is closer to 20,000 a day. Some 180 feet above the deep and turbulent waters of the Puget Sound, this is, in fact, two bridges, spanning the fog-bound strait below.
If the drive over this foggy strait isn’t particularly frightening to you, try walking over the narrow pedestrian lane at the edge of the bridge. That’s where you’ll find especially hair-raising views of the rushing water directly below.
6. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, Louisiana
Stretching almost 24 miles over Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana, this is the longest continuous bridge over water in the world. It stretches far into the distance, much further than the human eye can see. To drive across, without the end in sight, can be an unnerving experience.
Linking the suburbs of New Orleans in the south with Mandeville and the state’s northern reaches, this direct route — which runs as straight as an arrow, across the lake’s imposing centre — can save considerable travel time. Yet it isn’t for all, and there are still some who would rather go around than across, with the thought of travelling so far over the water often too much to bear.
Drivers have been known to get the fear halfway across, requiring a police escort to complete their journey, whilst several babies have been born on the bridge, their mothers having failed to make it to the hospital on the other side in time. Not to be taken lightly.
7. Canopy Walk, Ghana
Suspended high in the trees in Kakum National Park, Ghana’s Canopy Walk offers a fresh perspective of the lush green jungles of the country’s Central Region. The view from up here is spectacular, it’s true.
But that makes it no less frightening, and those courageous enough to step out onto the narrow walkway don’t tend to hang around. Given the drop, it’s perhaps best not to look down. The Canopy Walk is 1,150 feet long, with separate sections strung between seven trees.
It’s constructed, in the main, from rope, and is a simple structure. With termites working their way through the wooden planks, and the supporting ropes doing little to inspire confidence, you should do a thorough risk assessment before committing to this. Not one for the faint of heart, no-one will judge if you decide that it’s sensible not to take the chance.
8. Langkawi Sky Bridge, Malaysia
Suspended from a 82 metres high single pylon that emerges from the lush jungle, the Langkawi Sky Bridge is built on top of the Machinchang mountain, a spectacular sight offering breath-taking views of the island and sea.
The bridge hangs at about 100m above ground and it can accommodate up to 250 people at the same time. It swings out over the landscape to give visitors a unique spatial experience, and to bring them into otherwi…

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