Bridges are marvels of engineering, connecting communities and facilitating travel across vast distances. However, some bridges in the United States are known more for their risks than their utility. Factors like structural concerns, natural hazards, and historical accident rates contribute to the notoriety of these structures. In this overview, we will explore the top 10 most dangerous bridges in America.
These bridges, ranging from fog-enshrouded spans in Washington State to seismic hotspots in Alaska, each present unique challenges and hazards, reflecting the diverse and often perilous landscapes they traverse.
The top 10 most dangerous bridges in America, based on various factors such as structural concerns, natural hazards, and accident rates, are as follows:
- Deception Pass Bridge, Washington: This bridge is frequently covered in dense fog and occasionally battered by high winds, making driving across it hazardous. It has also been a site for suicides.
- Seven Mile Bridge, Florida: This bridge is part of the Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys and is known for its length and exposure to hurricanes and tropical storms.
- Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, Nevada: Located near the Hoover Dam, this bridge is known for its height and the strong winds that can affect it.
- The Gold Brook Covered Bridge, Vermont: Also known as Emily’s Bridge, it’s notorious for being haunted, which adds to its dangerous allure.
- Norfolk Southern-Gregson Street Overpass, North Carolina: Known as the “Can Opener Bridge,” it is a hazard for vehicles traveling beneath it due to its low clearance, leading to frequent accidents with trucks.
- The Old Covered Bridge, Massachusetts: This bridge’s historic nature and construction add to its risk factors.
- Captain William Moore Bridge, Alaska: Located in a seismically active area along a fault line, this bridge faces the risk of earthquakes.
- Snow Creek Bridge, North Carolina: Specific details about the dangers of this bridge are not readily available, but it made the list of dangerous bridges.
- The Mackinac Bridge, Michigan: Known for its length and the harsh weather conditions it faces, including high winds and ice, this bridge has a Drivers Assistance Program for motorists too afraid to drive across it themselves.
- The George Washington Bridge, New York: This bridge experiences heavy traffic and has a high rate of accidents. It has also been a site for suicides, prompting the installation of safety fencing.
Other notable mentions from a different source include:
- Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, Louisiana: Known for its extreme length and the heavy fogs that can severely limit driver visibility.
- Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, New York: The largest suspension bridge on the continent, known for its high winds and has also been a site for suicides.
- Astoria-Megler Bridge, Oregon: Spanning the Columbia River, this bridge faces high winds that have toppled trucks.
- Calcasieu River Bridge, Louisiana: It has a low sufficiency rating and has been in need of replacement for a long time.
Each bridge has its own unique set of dangers, whether due to structural issues, natural environmental conditions, or a history of accidents and incidents.