The Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado, a suspension bridge with a 956-foot drop, has been dubbed the 'scariest bridge in the world' by visitors and travel experts. Completed in just seven months in 1929, the bridge spans 1,260 feet across the Arkansas River near Cañon City.
Design and Construction
The bridge was designed by Chief Engineer George Cole and cost $350,000 at the time, equivalent to approximately £6 million today. According to RoyalGorgeBridge.com, replacing it today would cost over $20 million (£15 million). The walkway consists of 1,257 wooden planks with small gaps to allow wind to pass through, contributing to its old-fashioned feel and creaking sounds.
Experience and Reputation
The combination of the immense height, swaying caused by high-altitude winds, and the wooden plank design makes it a daunting experience for many. YouTube travel channel Window Seat visited the bridge, with co-host Sean Towle describing it as 'hands down the scariest bridge in the entire world.' Towle joked that the bridge's old age gave 'very little comfort' as he crossed.
Historical Significance
The bridge was the highest in the world until the Liuguanghe Bridge in China was completed in 2001, but it remains the highest bridge in the United States. Designed to hold over two million pounds of weight, it was originally built for foot traffic and automobiles but is now used almost exclusively by pedestrians.
Modern Attractions
Today, the bridge is part of a 360-acre theme park with rides, a history theatre, restaurants, and a zip line. It continues to be a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world.
