We have a strong affection for impressive railway bridges. There's no match for the thrill of crossing valleys and rivers while taking in the breathtaking views of the beautiful scenery unfolding below.
And they're no longer just impressive engineering achievements – they're iconic markers that showcase destinations and symbolize the progress of civil engineering.
This year, one of the most notable years in Europe, Scotland's Forth Bridge is commemorating 10 years since it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site – one of the few railway bridges to have received this honor. Furthermore, this month it is marking its 135th anniversary.
This iconic cantilever railway bridge spanning the Firth of Forth is a cherished part of Scotland's national identity and cultural legacy, so much so that it appears on some Scottish banknotes.
How have railway bridges evolved over the years?
Bridges, just like railways, have undergone significant changes over the past century.
According to Professor Luke Prendergast, a civil engineering expert at the University of Nottingham specializing in bridges, "Railway bridges have undergone significant evolution over the past 100 years." He notes, "Historically, masonry arch-type bridges were the norm."
“These massive stone structures initially appeared breathtakingly beautiful, but ultimately yielded to the construction of steel bridges featuring truss systems.”
Don't assume that metal bridges can't be considered works of art.
"Steel made it possible to build longer spans," notes Professor Prendergast.
“Newer bridges are often made from reinforced concrete and other composite materials, but all these structures can be visually appealing, and it ultimately comes down to personal taste when deciding whether the original masonry style is more pleasing to the eye.”
Explore the World's Tallest Railway Bridges: A Marvel of Engineering
Mala Rijeka Viaduct became the world's highest railway bridge when it was inaugurated in 1973.
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The Mala Rijeka Viaduct's impressive features remain – at its highest point, the 499-metre-long bridge is 200 metres above the river below. It's no surprise that a structure of this magnitude requires substantial support, with the largest pillar situated on a base equivalent in size to a tennis court.
The Viaur Viaduct may not be as tall as the Mala Rijeka Viaduct, but it is still quite impressive. The stunning steel structure was constructed in 1902.
Renowned for its sophisticated design and majestic arches, its longest span stretches 220 metres. Architect Paul Bodin achieved its refined appearance by adopting a novel technique called balanced arches, which enabled the use of less metal and relied on a counterbalancing method rather than additional materials to provide stability.
The bridge, which at its highest point soars 116 metres above the Viaur River Valley, was a true labor of love, constructed with 3,800 tonnes of metal and held together by 160 tonnes of steel rivets, all of which had to be tightened manually.
Wonders of Masonic architecture in France and England
The Chamborigaud Viaduct is a stunning example of a bridge - a 29-arch, 384-metre-long structure built in the late 1800s by architect Charles Dombre for the Paris-Lyon-Mediterranean Railway Company.
– with its deep valleys and towering hills – much more easily accessible, the viaduct was designated a historical monument by the French government in 1984.
The line crosses the River Calder Valley, featuring 48 arches and constructed with six million bricks, having been unveiled in 1850.
This massive structure has often been likened to a cathedral or monastery. It's believed that this was a deliberate choice. The viaduct is situated near Whalley Abbey, which dates back to the 1200s, and Terence Woulfe Flanagan, the engineer who designed the bridge, was influenced by the abbey's ecclesiastical architecture.
, England. When it was built in the 1840s, it was far ahead of its contemporaries. The 37-arch railway bridge employs architectural features called jack arches to minimize the number of bricks needed.
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Build it and they will come: Famous Bridges Draw Tourists
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Professor Vasilis Sarhosis, a specialist in masonry bridges at the University of Leeds' civil engineering faculty, is a great admirer and notes that it's not just its refined design that sets it apart.
"It was built over 100 years ago and remains one of Scotland's largest bridges," Professor Sarhosis says.
The construction utilized mass concrete instead of metal reinforcement, a departure from the usual materials used in contemporary railway bridges.
One of the most impressive engineering achievements of the Victorian era, this 21-arch bridge, featured on certain Scottish banknotes, measures 380 meters in length. The best views of this engineering marvel can be seen from the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre. It serves as the starting point for a series of footpaths with observation points, perfect for those who wish to admire this remarkable feat of engineering.
This marvel, situated on the outskirts of Edinburgh, is another notable one. It has been featured in British film classics, including "The 39 Steps" and "Carry on Regardless," and also appeared in an episode of "The Simpsons" last year.
Unveiled in 1890, this cantilever-trussed bridge was made with 54,000 tonnes of steel and is renowned for its distinctive rust-red color. Today, its color is attributed to the use of custom-made red paint designed to replicate the original red oxide coloration of the bridge at the time of its initial opening.
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This railway bridge is somewhat shorter than the others we've mentioned, spanning only 142 metres and consisting of six arches. Its distinctive features include a tight curve and a design where one end seamlessly blends into a mountain, making it a challenging passage for travelers before the bridge was built.
In Switzerland, a famous bridge is known for its "fish-belly" central truss, which is an unsupported central section that relies on curved girders beneath it for support. This bridge was a pioneer in innovative construction techniques and was widely regarded as a remarkable engineering achievement globally.
Portugal. One of the world's most elaborate railway bridges, it features stonework decorated with Portugal's coat of arms. On the upper deck, lamps cast a golden glow over the bridge at sunset.
Gustave Eiffel, the mastermind behind the Eiffel Tower, initially considered designing it, but his proposals were ultimately turned down, and the task was given to Théophile Seyrig, a German engineer.
A revolutionary bridge to a car-free ski resort
Finally, a look ahead, specifically focusing on one of the world's most cutting-edge railway bridges.
The Stoos funicular railway bridge is part of a funicular railway that links Schwyz to the car-free ski resort of Stoos. It is the steepest funicular in the world.
Travelers on this mountain train - featuring sleek, glass-like train cars - navigate through three tunnels and two bridges. The most striking bridge is the one crossing the Muota River. Although it may not conform to traditional norms, it is still a notable feature in our selection of the world's most breathtaking railway bridges.