Gephyrophobia is a phobia characterized by the fear of bridges and tunnels, especially older ones. These 16 bridges can evoke a sense of terror from even people without gephyrophobia.
Royal Gorge Bridge
Located in Colorado, the Royal Gorge Bridge stands at a staggering height of 955 feet, making it one of the United States’s highest bridges. Completed in 1929, it was once the highest bridge in the world and remains an iconic structure, offering breathtaking views and a thrilling experience for visitors.
Iya Kazurabashi Vine Bridge
National Geographic tells of the legend of 13 vine bridges that helped samurais escape the emperor at the end of the Genpei War in 1185. The Iya Kazurabashi Vine Bridge in Shikoku, Japan, is one of these bridges. Its construction from Actinidia arguta vines adds a unique charm and a sense of danger, which could be felled with one quick swoop of a sharp katana sword. Reinforced with wire and handrails today, it still evokes a sense of dread.
Puente de Ojuela
Mexico’s Puente de Ojuela is a wooden bridge that sways and creaks as you cross its 1,043-foot length. Suspended 360 feet above a canyon floor, it leads to a ghost town, enhancing the eerie and dangerous vibe of this historic structure built in 1898.
Langkawi Sky Bridge
The Langkawi Sky Bridge in Malaysia offers spectacular views from its precarious position of 2,170 feet above sea level. Accessible by cable car, this 410-foot-long bridge is not for the faint-hearted, especially after its closure for renovations between 2012 and 2015.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge connects Maryland’s eastern and western shores, spanning nearly five miles of the Chesapeake Bay. At 186 feet high, it’s the violent storms that make this bridge particularly terrifying, with reduced visibility and intense winds.
Millau Viaduct Bridge
France’s Millau Viaduct Bridge is one of the tallest bridges in the world. Its sleek design and towering height offer drivers a unique and potentially nerve-wracking experience as they traverse the Tarn River valley. Foster + Partners says, “Its construction broke several records: it has the highest pylons in the world, the highest road bridge deck in Europe, and it superseded the Eiffel Tower as the tallest structure in France.”
U Bein Bridge
The U Bein Bridge in Myanmar is one of the oldest teakwood bridges in the world. Built around 1850, it spans the Taungthaman Lake and has become a tourist attraction. Despite reinforcements, concerns about decaying pillars add to its precarious nature.
Carrick-a-Rede Bridge
Northern Ireland’s Carrick-a-Rede Bridge is a rope bridge that sways 98 feet above the rocks below. First erected by salmon fishermen in 1755, ‘the Rock in the Road’ was an obstacle for the migrating salmon as they searched for the river where they were born. Connecting the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede offers a thrilling walk for tourists, despite being only 66 feet long.
Seven Mile Bridge
The Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys is one of the longest bridges in existence. While not exceptionally high, its length and location over open water can be daunting, especially during storms or high winds.
Glass Skywalk
China’s Glass Skywalk in Tianmenshan National Forest Park is a glass-bottomed walkway 4,600 feet above the ground. Its narrow width and transparent floor provide a heart-stopping view of the abyss below, making it a nightmare for those with a fear of heights.
Eshima Ohashi Bridge
Japan’s Eshima Ohashi Bridge has a steep gradient that makes it look like a roller coaster. This rigid-frame bridge connects Matsue and Sakaiminato and has become an internet sensation for its daunting appearance. Called “the world’s craziest or scariest bridge,” Newsweek writes, “the Eshima Ohashi Bridge has been a popular tourist attraction and internet sensation for its unusual-looking slope since its construction in 2004.”
Longjiang Suspension Bridge
Also in China, the Longjiang Suspension Bridge is among the highest, with its deck suspended over the Long River. Its impressive height and the fact that it’s one of the longest suspension bridges add to its intimidating presence.
The Vine Bridges of Iya Valley
The Vine Bridges in Japan’s Iya Valley are made entirely of tree vines and can sway in a strong breeze. These ancient bridges offer a unique and thrilling crossing experience, surrounded by a beautiful forest.
Tacoma Narrows Bridge
Britannica explains that the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Washington is famous for its collapse in 1940 due to aeroelastic flutter. The current dual spans stand 200 feet above the Tacoma Narrows and serve as a reminder of the importance of bridge engineering.
Astoria–Megler Bridge
Spanning the Columbia River, the Astoria–Megler Bridge stands at 196 feet tall. It connects Oregon and Washington and is notable for its length and the challenges of crossing during stormy weather, adding to its daunting nature.
Commodore Barry Bridge
The Commodore Barry Bridge crosses the Delaware River at a height of 192 feet. It connects Chester, Pennsylvania, with Bridgeport, New Jersey, and is a vital transportation link in the area. Its height and busy traffic can make for an intimidating drive.
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