Bridges are more than just ways to cross from one side to another — they are stories of ambition, engineering, and geography. Around the world, some of the highest road bridges offer not only vertical feats but also stunning views and vital links between remote regions. Below is a journey through ten of the world’s most impressive high-altitude road bridges, complete with their background and purpose.
Top 10 Highest Road Bridges in the World
1. Beipanjiang Bridge (Duge), China
Height: 565 meters (1,854 feet)
The Duge Bridge crosses the deep Beipan River gorge between Guizhou and Yunnan provinces. Completed in 2016, it connects two mountainous regions that previously took hours to reach by winding roads. Now, travel time has been cut drastically, serving both commercial and personal traffic.
2. Siduhe Bridge, China
Height: 496 meters (1,627 feet)
Built in 2009, the Siduhe Bridge was the first to exceed 500 meters in height and remains one of the highest suspension bridges in the world. It links the cities of Yesanguan and Dazhiping, forming part of the new G50 Huyu Expressway.
3. Baluarte Bridge, Mexico
Height: 403 meters (1,322 feet)
The highest bridge in North America, the Baluarte Bridge was inaugurated in 2012 as part of a federal effort to modernize the Mazatlán–Durango highway. It dramatically reduces travel time across the Sierra Madre Occidental.
4. Qingshuihe Bridge, China
Height: 406 meters (1,332 feet)
Opened in 2015, this cable-stayed bridge spans the Qingshui River in Guizhou province. It plays a key role in the Xiamen–Chengdu Expressway and demonstrates China’s dominance in high-altitude bridge engineering.
5. Yachi Bridge, China
Height: 434 meters (1,424 feet)
Part of the Guiyang–Bijie Expressway, the Yachi Bridge opened in 2016. It’s both visually striking and economically critical, linking areas that were previously isolated.
6. Liuguanghe Bridge, China
Height: 297 meters (974 feet)
Completed in 2001, this was once China’s highest bridge. It spans a deep reservoir and was a landmark step in China’s high-bridge development, connecting rural communities in Guizhou province.
7. Royal Gorge Bridge (nearby vehicle bridges), USA
Nearby road bridge height: Approx. 291 meters (955 feet)
Though the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado is pedestrian-only, nearby road crossings and the adjacent terrain offer thrilling driving views. The Royal Gorge region remains a tourist highlight for road trippers.
8. Glen Canyon Dam Bridge, USA
Height: 210 meters (690 feet)
Built in 1959 to facilitate construction of the Glen Canyon Dam, this steel arch bridge spans the Colorado River in Arizona. It’s now a scenic route for drivers near Lake Powell.
9. Millau Viaduct, France
Structural height: 343 meters (1,125 feet)
The tallest bridge structure in the world, the Millau Viaduct was opened in 2004 to relieve congestion in the Tarn Valley. It forms part of the A75 autoroute, offering smooth passage for traffic heading to southern France.
10. Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, Japan
Height above water: 297 meters (974 feet)
Though known more for its length than height, this bridge connecting Kobe and Awaji Island is still among the highest. Completed in 1998, it remains the world’s longest suspension bridge and withstands frequent typhoons and earthquakes.
Bridges Under Construction
Several bridges currently under construction are poised to redefine the global rankings. One of the most anticipated is the Puli Bridge in China’s Yunnan Province. Designed to span a deep canyon and connect remote mountainous areas, it is expected to exceed 500 meters in deck height, which would place it among the top five highest road bridges in the world.
India is also in the spotlight with the Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir. While technically a railway bridge, its record-breaking height of 359 meters has sparked development of nearby high-elevation roadways in the Himalayas, including new viaducts planned for the Srinagar–Leh highway. If completed as proposed, these road bridges could soon rank among the world’s most elevated.
In South America, projects like the Chillón Canyon Bridge in Peru are being planned to improve connectivity across the Andes. Though details are still emerging, early designs indicate heights exceeding 300 meters. In Turkey, work continues on a suspension bridge project in the Eastern Anatolia region that may rival existing Chinese bridges in both height and length.
These future bridges not only aim to break engineering records but also play crucial roles in connecting previously inaccessible regions, fostering economic development, and reducing travel times across rugged terrains.
Why You Need an International Driving Permit (IDP)
Driving across these global wonders requires more than nerves of steel — it also requires proper documentation. An International Driving Permit is a legal translation of your driver’s license that’s valid in over 150 countries. For travelers who plan to rent a car abroad or drive through foreign road networks, this document is often required by rental companies and local law enforcement.
The IDP is easy to obtain. In the U.S., it’s issued by AAA and AATA. All you need is a valid U.S. driver’s license, two passport-sized photos, and a small fee. The permit is valid for one year and must be carried along with your original license.
Even in countries where it’s not legally required, having an IDP provides peace of mind. It reduces the chance of miscommunication and helps ensure that your insurance remains valid in the event of an accident.
If you dream of driving across them, remember to prepare not just your camera, but your documents as well. With your IDP in hand, the road truly opens up—across gorges, valleys, and continents.
