Our hearts go out to magnificent railway bridges. There’s nothing quite like traveling over gorges and streams while enjoying the stunning scenery that unfolds beneath us.
And they're not just engineering accomplishments anymore; these structures have become landmarks that highlight destinations and serve as visual testaments to the progress of civil engineering.
This year, which stands out significantly in European history, marks the tenth anniversary of Scotland's iconic Forth Bridge being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site—one of only a few railway bridges to earn such recognition. Additionally, this month sees the bridge celebrating its 135th birthday.
This famous cantilever railway bridge spanning the Firth of Forth is so deeply ingrained in Scotland’s national identity and cultural legacy that it even appears on certain Scottish currency notes.
In what ways have railway bridges evolved throughout history?
Much like the railways, bridges have also changed in appearance over the past hundred years.
"Railroad bridges have undergone significant development over the last century," explains Professor Luke Prendergast, a specialist in civil engineering with a focus on bridges at the University of Nottingham. "Previously, stone-arch type bridges were widespread," he notes.
These massive stone constructions were aesthetically pleasing but ultimately made room for steel bridges featuring truss systems.
However, don’t assume that metal bridges cannot also be masterpieces of art.
"Steel enabled the creation of longer spans," notes Professor Prendergast.
The most recent bridges are often constructed using reinforced concrete and various composite materials; however, each of these designs can still be quite visually appealing. It ultimately boils down to individual preference when determining if traditional masonry styles are more agreeable to the eye!
Don't look down: Where are the planet's loftiest railroad spans located?
Although the latest skyscrapers tend to be the tallest, this rule does not hold true for railway bridges. Montenegro’s The Mala Rijeka Viaduct was crowned as the world’s tallest railway bridge upon its inauguration in 1973.
The title has since been claimed by a more recent bridge in Guizhou. China .
However, the statistics of the Mala Rijeka Viaduct remain remarkable — at its tallest point, this 499-meter-long bridge soars 200 meters above the river beneath it. As expected for such an enormous construction, substantial reinforcement is necessary; thus, the biggest pier stands on a foundation as large as a tennis court.
Southern France’s The Viaur Viaduct may not match the height of the Mala Rijeka Viaduct, yet it remains equally remarkable. This stunning steel construction dates back to 1902.
Renowned for its sophisticated design and impressive vaults, this structure boasts the longest span at 220 meters. Architect Paul Bodin crafted its delicate appearance by adopting a novel method called balanced arches. This approach required minimal use of metal and depended on a counterbalance system instead of additional materials to ensure stability.
At its tallest point, towering 116 meters over the Viaur River Valley, this bridge stands as a testament to dedication, constructed using 3,800 tons of metal and secured with 160 tons of steel rivets, each needing manual tightening.
Wonders of stone craftsmanship in France and England
No bridges can rival the beauty of the Chamborigaud Viaduct—a stunning structure featuring 29 arches spanning 384 meters, constructed in the late 1800s by architect Charles Dombre for the Paris-Lyon-Mediterranean Railway Company.
A brick bridge that was constructed Cévennes region — featuring its extensive valleys and towering hills — made more accessible, the viaduct was recognized as a historical monument by the French government in 1984.
Another impressive structure from the realm of masonry is the Whalley Viaduct located in northern England, constructed to support the railway. Blackburn The rail link to Clitheroe spanning the River Calder Valley. Introduced in 1850, this structure was constructed using six million bricks and features 48 arches.
This impressive edifice has frequently been likened to a cathedral or monastery, suggesting that such an association may have been deliberate. Located near Whalley Abbey—a site established in the 13th century—the viaduct reflects inspiration from the religious architecture of the nearby abbey. This aesthetic influence can be attributed to Terence Woulfe Flanagan, who engineered the bridge and drew upon the abbey’s distinctive ecclesiastical style.
Another impressive example of stonework is the Ouse Valley Viaduct. Sussex , England. Upon its construction during the 1840s, this structure stood out for being quite advanced for its era. This particular railroad bridge, featuring 37 arches, employs what are called jack arches to minimize the use of bricks.
The bridge's sleek design is regarded as one of England’s most graceful railway structures and is renowned for its changing colors, thanks to the 11 million rust-red brick units and cream-colored limestone that were used in its construction. Normandy .
Construct it and visitors will flock: Renowned spans transform into travel destinations
Several of Europe's most stunning bridges have become attractions in their own regard. A prime example is one such bridge. Scotland’s Glenfinnan Viaduct, which played a prominent part in the Harry Potter movies .
Professor Vasilis Sarhosis, who specializes in masonry bridges within the civil engineering department at the University of Leeds, greatly admires this structure and highlights that its appeal extends beyond its graceful design.
“ Glenfinnan Viaduct Constructed over a century ago, this bridge remains one of the biggest in Scotland," explains Professor Sarhosis.
It was built with mass concrete, meaning it lacks any metal reinforcement, unlike many of today’s modern railway bridges.
Among the most impressive examples of engineering during the Victorian period is this 21-arch bridge, featured on specific Scottish currency notes. Stretching over 380 meters, the finest vantage points can be found at the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre. This location serves as the beginning of several trails adorned with viewing stations, perfect for enthusiasts eager to appreciate this remarkable feat of engineering.
Scotland’s aforementioned UNESCO-listed Forth Rail Bridge Another remarkable site, situated on the periphery of Edinburgh, has made appearances in classic British films like "The 39 Steps" and "Carry OnRegardless," as well as in a recent episode of "The Simpson"s.
Introduced in 1890, this truss bridge features a distinctive design supported solely by one end, constructed using an impressive 54,000 tons of steel. The iconic reddish-brown color visible today stems from custom-made red paint applied to mimic the initial rusty appearance present when the structure was inaugurated.
A major attraction for enthusiasts of railway bridges is Switzerland's Landwasser Viaduct, a prominent feature along the UNESCO-listed Albula Mountain Railway. The viaduct was constructed in the early 1900s using an innovative method: builders worked without scaffolding. This approach allowed engineers convenient access to materials obtained directly from locally sourced limestone. Dolomite Mountains through which the railway passes.
Compared to the other railway bridges on our list, this one is quite compact—it has six arches and spans only 142 meters. What sets it apart is its sharp curvature and how one end seems to vanish directly into a mountainside, making it challenging to traverse before the bridge was built.
Similarly impressive is the Sittertal Valley’s Sitter Viaduct, constructed in 1910 and standing as the tallest standard-gauge structure. railway bridge In Switzerland, this structure gained recognition for its distinctive fish-belly central truss design (a span without support in the middle that depends on arched girders underneath for stability). It showcased groundbreaking building methods and earned international acclaim as a remarkable feat of engineering.
Further proof that bridges can be attractions on its own merits stands the LuÃs I Bridge in Porto , Portugal. This is one of the world's most intricately decorated railway bridges, featuring stonework embellished with Portugal’s coat of arms. After dusk, the upper level is illuminated by lanterns casting a warm golden glow over the structure.
The mastermind behind the iconic Eiffel Tower, Gustave Eiffel, nearly took on the role of designing it himself. However, his proposals were ultimately turned down, and the task was handed over to German engineer Théophile Seyrig instead.
A cutting-edge connection to a pedestrian-only skiing destination
Lastly, let's take a forward-looking glance, particularly at one of the globe's most inventive railway bridges.
You’ll find the Swiss Alps’ The Stoos funicular railway bridge links Schwyz to the vehicle-free ski area of Stoos. This system holds the title for being the world's steepest funicular.
Travelers aboard this mountain train route — where the carriages look like elegant glass spheres — journey through three tunnels and cross over two bridges. Among these, the standout structure is the bridge that spans the Muota River. Although it might not appeal to those who prefer more conventional designs, it remains an essential addition to our celebration of the planet’s most stunning railway viaducts and bridges.
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