Olusegun Taiye James
As of April 2025, the world is home to a multitude of magnificent bridges that not only function as essential transit links but also serve as a tribute to the engineering prowess of humans. There are a few of them that have attracted notice due to the astronomical construction expenditures that they have incurred, which are a reflection of the intricacy, scale, and ambition of their designs. An exhaustive look at the top ten most expensive bridges in the world as of the year 2025 is shown in the following list:
List Of Top 10 Most Expensive Bridges In The World 2025
1. Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge
The Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge (HZMB) is a bridge-tunnel system that spans a distance of 55 kilometers (34 miles) and connects three major cities in the Pearl River Delta. It is a remarkable achievement of engineering. It is the longest sea-crossing and open-sea fixed link in the world despite the fact that it spans across open sea and incorporates artificial islands as well as an underwater tunnel. Nevertheless, this remarkable infrastructure achievement came with a gigantic price tag, firmly solidifying its position as one of the most expensive bridges that have ever been constructed anywhere in the world.
2. Eastern Replacement Span, Oakland Bay Bridge
The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge is a critical artery that connects the East Bay to San Francisco. The Eastern Replacement Span of the bridge is a marvel to modern engineering and stands as a tribute to its importance. On the other hand, its legacy is also marked by its enormous cost, which reached nearly $6.5 billion by the time it was finished in 2013. Its position as one of the most expensive bridge projects ever done was firmly established by this gigantic figure, which represented a 2,500% increase over the initial estimate of $250 million for a seismic retrofit. This is especially true when taking into consideration the length of the bridge and the complexity of the various components involved.
3. Great Belt Fixed Link
The Great Belt Fixed Link, also known as Storebaeltsforbindelsen, is a remarkable engineering achievement in Denmark. It is a multi-element connection that spans the Great Belt strait, connecting the islands of Funen (Fyn) and Zealand (Sjælland). This essential infrastructure project, which included a road suspension bridge known as the East Bridge, a railway tunnel known as the East Tunnel, and a road and rail box-girder bridge known as the West Bridge, brought about a significant transformation in the accessibility of travel throughout Denmark. This grandiose initiative, on the other hand, came with a huge price tag, which made it one of the most expensive infrastructure projects in the history of Denmark and a significant investment on a European scale.
4. Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is a magnificent suspension bridge that connects the boroughs of Staten Island and Brooklyn in New York City. It serves as an important artery in the transportation network of the city and is a tribute to the engineering prowess of the mid-20th century. The upper level of the bridge opened in 1964, while the lower level opened in 1969. At the time of its opening, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. On the other hand, the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is not only famous for its big function and excellent statistics, but it is also notable for its substantial construction cost. This makes it one of the most expensive bridge projects of its day, and even by today’s standards, it is a significant financial venture.
5. Yeongjong Grand Bridge
One of the most remarkable infrastructure projects in South Korea is the Yeongjong Grand Bridge, which serves as an essential connection between the city of Incheon on the mainland and Yeongjong Island, which is the location of the Incheon International Airport, which is a significant center for international aviation. As a demonstration of the capabilities of modern engineering, this multi-modal bridge, which carries both highway and railway lines, stands as a testament. On the other hand, the construction of this bridge came with a substantial price tag, earning it the distinction of being one of the most expensive bridges in Asia and a noteworthy investment on the international scene.
6. Tsing Ma Bridge
A beautiful icon of modern engineering, the Tsing Ma Bridge (also known as ????) in Hong Kong serves as a critical artery connecting Tsing Yi Island and Ma Wan Island. Additionally, it is an essential component in the Lantau component, which is responsible for providing service to the Hong Kong International Airport located on Chek Lap Kok. This remarkable suspension bridge, which carries both road and railway traffic on different decks, was a colossal endeavor that came with a huge price tag. This price tag reflected the creative design of the bridge, the challenging construction climate, and the essential function it plays in Hong Kong’s infrastructure.
7. San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge
The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge is more than simply a building made of steel and concrete; it is an important transportation artery that connects the East Bay to the metropolis of San Francisco. In especially with regard to the replacement of its eastern span, it is a startling costly undertaking. This is a story that is carved in history, resilience, and a difficult situation. Despite the fact that the original bridge, which was finished in 1936 and cost $77 million, was an engineering marvel of its time, the replacement of its eastern section in the 21st century ballooned into one of the most expensive public works projects in the history of California, reaching a final price tag of approximately $6.5 billion.
8. George Washington Bridge
A huge suspension bridge spans the mighty Hudson River and connects Fort Lee, New Jersey, to the Washington Heights area of Manhattan, New York City. The George Washington Bridge is an unquestionable symbol of American engineering. When it was finished in 1931, it was a wonder. It had the world’s longest main span and showed how ambitious people could be during the Great Depression. But the story of the George Washington Bridge and how it affected money goes far beyond the time it was built. Over the years, and especially recently, the structure’s ongoing upkeep, upgrades, and sheer size have added up to huge costs that keep coming in. This makes it one of the most financially important pieces of infrastructure in the United States.
9. Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
It is a remarkable cable-stayed structure that towers over the Cooper River in Charleston, South Carolina. The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is a testimony to modern engineering and serves as an essential link between the downtown area of Charleston and Mount Pleasant. The “Ravenel Bridge,” as it is more widely known, has evolved into a landmark that is synonymous with the Lowcountry region. It is more than just a way to cross the river. Its construction, finished in 2005, was a big endeavor that came with a considerable, albeit eventually well-justified, price tag.
10. Bang Na Expressway
The Bang Na Expressway, which is also known as the Burapha Withi Expressway, is a significant piece of infrastructure in Bangkok, Thailand. Its primary purpose is to alleviate the notorious traffic congestion that plagues the Bangkok metropolitan area. This elevated highway, which was completed in the year 2000 and stretched for more than 55 kilometers (34 miles), was recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest bridge in the world at the time it was constructed. Nevertheless, this remarkable feat of engineering came with a hefty price tag, with reports indicating that it cost approximately one billion dollars in the United States.
