pet a cat today: May 2010

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Bridges Of China

This is Donghai Bridge which spans 20 miles. Bridges of this type are called 'cross sea' bridges because they literally cross a sea! Here's the real kicker - its not the world's longest bridge. That would be the Hangzhou Bay Bridge which opened in 2008 (just a baby!) and is 22 miles long:

An interesting fact - the plans for this bridge were finalized in 2003 and it was completed in FIVE years. It took China FIVE years to build the world's longest cross sea bridge and New York still hasn't managed to replace the World Trade Center. Just sayin.

This is Sutong Bridge. It spans the Yangzte River Delta and has really helped commuters apparently. Its like China's George Washington Bridge!

Another beauty - the railroad bridge of Guizhou.

The Ruyan Bridge which is the world's fourth largest suspension bridge and the second largest suspension bridge in China. China is productive. So productive it needs millions of huge, brilliantly designed and executed bridges to get 'er done. Imagine if the Great Wall was a bridge! Fantasy of the week: National Geographic sends me to China to cover their bridges!

I'm inspired and am going to do a mini version of this expedition. This weekend I am going to Poughkeepsie to walk the world's longest footbridge (1 mi). Yes! Its right in our backyard! Train leaves at 10 on Saturday!