The Most Dangerous Bridges In The US You Should Never Cross

1. George Washington Bridge, New York/New Jersey

Image source: Insider

This bridge connects the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City with Fort Lee in New Jersey.  It's notable features are that it is one of the busiest bridges in the world in terms of vehicle traffic and the bridge features a double-decked design, with 14 lanes of vehicular traffic in total.  That's a lot of traffic which is unsettling.  Its dangers arise from it's design and various environmental factors.

2. Golden Gate Bridge, California

Image source: Reddit

This spans the Golden Gate Strait and the entrance to San Francisco Bay is from the Pacific Ocean.  It is one of the most iconic bridges globally and the Golden Gate Bridge is renowned for its distinctive International Orange color and art deco styling. It's a symbol of San Francisco and is often featured in movies, TV shows, and photographs.  Unfortunately, the Golden Gate Bridge has a history of being a site for suicide attempts.

3. Brooklyn Bridge, New York

Image source: Viewing NYC

The bridge connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York City. Notable features are that it is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. The Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic symbol of New York City. It was completed in 1883 and was the longest suspension bridge in the world at that time.  It's age and usage make it dangerous.

4. Robert F. Kennedy Bridge (formerly Triborough Bridge), New York

Image source: Wikipedia

The bridge connects the boroughs of Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx in New York City. The Robert F. Kennedy Bridge is a complex of bridges and elevated highways that span the East River and Harlem River. It's an important transportation hub in New York City, facilitating travel between the boroughs and connecting to major highways.  The sheer amount of traffic makes it a danger hazard.

5. Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Florida

Image source: Reddit

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge connects St. Petersburg in Pinellas County and Terra Ceia in Manatee County. It is known for its towering main span and distinctive cable-stayed design. It has a tragic history, as a section of the original bridge collapsed in 1980 after being struck by a ship during a storm, leading to several fatalities.

6. Chesapeake Bay Bridge, Maryland

Image source: RedditThis Maryland Bridge crosses the Chesapeake Bay, connecting the eastern and western shores of Maryland.  It consists of two separate spans, the original (William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge) and the newer parallel span. One of the longest continuous over-water steel structures in the world, there was a very dangerous incident where a truck fell off the bridge.

7. Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, New York

Image source: Reddit

Verrazzano Bridge connects the boroughs of Staten Island and Brooklyn in New York City. It's one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, and a prominent landmark in New York Harbor. Named after the Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, it offers stunning views of the New York City skyline.  It's narrow lanes and limited shoulder space make it dangerous.

8. Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Washington

Image source: Quora

This spans the Tacoma Narrows strait of Puget Sound in Washington state. The original bridge, famously known as "Galloping Gertie," collapsed in 1940 just months after opening due to aeroelastic flutter. The current bridge, a successor, is engineered to withstand such forces.

9. Mackinac Bridge, Michigan

Image source: Insider

Mackinac Bridge connects the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of the state of Michigan. It's one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. The Mackinac Bridge is a vital transportation link and a popular tourist attraction, offering breath taking views of the surrounding Great Lakes.  It can be dangerous because of its length and height.

10. Seven Mile Bridge, Florida

Image source: Reddit

The Bridge is part of the Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys, connecting Knight's Key to Little Duck Key. Notable features include it having the longest segmental bridges in the world.  It offers stunning views of the turquoise waters of the Florida Keys. The bridge has been featured in several movies and television shows.  Weather conditions have affected its safety.

11. San Mateo-Hayward Bridge, California

Image source: Reddit

This crosses the San Francisco Bay, connecting the San Francisco Peninsula with the East Bay. The Bridge features a distinctive double-leaf bascule span that allows large ships to pass through. It serves as a crucial transportation artery in the San Francisco Bay Area, facilitating the movement of commuters and goods between the East Bay and the Peninsula.  It has not been without its fair share of accidents.

12. Astoria-Megler Bridge, Oregon/Washington

Image source: Reddit

The Astoria-Megler Bridge connects Astoria, Oregon, with Megler, Washington. The Bridge is a steel cantilever through truss bridge that stretches over four miles. It's the longest continuous truss bridge in North America and an important transportation link along the Pacific Coast Highway.  The huge amount of vehicles that pass over it make it a hazardous area.

13. Benicia-Martinez Bridge, California

Image source: Metro

This connects Benicia and Martinez in California.  It consists of two separate spans, a cantilever bridge, and a parallel span. It's a vital transportation link in the San Francisco Bay Area, providing connectivity between Solano County and Contra Costa County.  This is a Bridge where driver behavior has had bad consequences.

14. Coronado Bridge, California

Image source: Reddit

Connecting San Diego with Coronado Island in California, the Coronado Bridge is a distinctive curved bridge that offers stunning views of the San Diego skyline and Coronado Island. It's an iconic landmark in the region and an essential transportation link for residents and visitors.  Sadly, it's a place where suicides have taken place.

15. Crescent City Connection, Louisiana

Image source: Reddit

This spans the Mississippi River, connecting New Orleans' Westbank with the city's downtown.  It is also known as the Greater New Orleans Bridge, consisting of two parallel cantilever bridges. It's a critical transportation artery in the New Orleans metropolitan area, carrying vehicular traffic across the Mississippi River.  In bad weather, this Bridge has been involved in some serious incidents.

16. Dames Point Bridge, Florida

Image source: Reddit

Spanning the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, the Dames Point Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge with distinctive harp-shaped pylons. It's one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the United States and a prominent landmark in Jacksonville.  As the Bridge is subject to tidal influences and changing currents, ut has not been without its issues.

17. Huey P. Long Bridge, Louisiana

Image source: Reddit

This spans the Mississippi River in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Huey P. Long Bridge is a cantilevered through truss bridge that carries US Route 90. It's an important transportation link for the New Orleans metropolitan area, for the movement of goods and commuters across the Mississippi River.  There are regular vehicle accidents die to the volume of traffic.

18. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, Louisiana

Image source: Reddit

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway connects Metairie, Louisiana, with Mandeville, Louisiana. It is one of the longest continuous bridges in the world, consisting of two parallel bridges. It's a critical transportation link across Lake Pontchartrain, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding areas.  Bad weather conditions make this quite a treacherous Bridge.

19. Memorial Bridge, Washington D.C./Virginia

Image source: Reddit

This spans the Potomac River, connecting Washington D.C. with Arlington, Virginia. The Memorial Bridge is a historic bridge with neoclassical architectural elements.  It's adorned with statues and offers picturesque views of the National Mall and Washington Monument.  It has been undergoing significant rehabilitation due to structural deterioration.

20. O'Callaghan-Tillman Memorial Bridge, Nevada/Arizona

Image source: Reddit

Across the Colorado River, this connects Clark County, Nevada, with Mohave County, Arizona. The O'Callaghan-Tillman Memorial Bridge is a concrete arch bridge that carries Interstate 11. It's an important transportation link between Nevada and Arizona, bypassing the congested traffic of the Hoover Dam.  It has undergone a major structural program.

21. Sidney Lanier Bridge, Georgia

Image source: Reddit

Covering the Brunswick River near Brunswick, Georgia, the Sidney Lanier Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge with a distinctive inverted triangular design. It's one of the tallest cable-stayed bridges in the United States, offering scenic views of the Golden Isles and the Atlantic Ocean.  Its height and design have caused serious problems in the past.

22. St. George Island Bridge, Florida

Image source: Reddit

Connecting St. George Island with Eastpoint, Florida, the St. George Island Bridge is a prestressed concrete girder bridge that spans Apalachicola Bay. It's a busy transportation link for residents and visitors, providing access to the barrier island's pristine beaches and natural beauty.  There have been a number of pedestrian accidents over the years.

23. Sunshine Bridge, Louisiana

Image source: Reddit

Spanning the Mississippi River in St. James Parish, Louisiana. the Sunshine Bridge is a cantilevered truss bridge that carries LA 70 across the Mississippi River. It's a key transportation artery in south eastern Louisiana, providing connectivity between communities on the east and west banks of the river.  commuter traffic and commercial vehicles have been the reason for numerous accidents.

24. Throgs Neck Bridge, New York

Image source: Queens Chronicle

Covering the East River, connecting the Bronx and Queens boroughs of New York City, the Throgs Neck Bridge is a suspension bridge with two main spans. It is one of the transportation link in New York City that provides access to Long Island and eases traffic congestion on local roads and bridges.  It is currently under urgent structural repair.

25. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge, Massachusetts

Image source: Reddit

Located over the Charles River in Boston, Massachusetts, the Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge with distinctive twin towers. It's a prominent landmark in Boston and serves as a transportation link, carrying Interstate 93 over the Charles River.  Very heavy traffic flow has been the cause of many accidents over the last decade in particular.

26. Chain of Rocks Bridge, Missouri/Illinois

Image source: Buyora

The Mississippi River connects St. Louis, Missouri, with Madison, Illinois. The Chain of Rocks Bridge is a historic cantilever bridge with a unique 22-degree bend midway across the span. It was originally part of Route 66 and now serves pedestrians and cyclists as part of the Route 66 Bikeway.  It is continually monitored and maintained as there have been earlier structural problems.

27. Lion's Gate Bridge, California

Image source: City News

Connecting the Presidio of San Francisco with the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in Marin County, California, the Lion's Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the Golden Gate Strait. It's an iconic landmark in the San Francisco Bay Area and offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the surrounding coastline.  Narrow traffic lanes have caused havoc.

28. Bourne Bridge, Massachusetts

Image source: Reddit

This connects the town of Bourne with Cape Cod. The Bourne Bridge is a steel truss bridge that provides a vital transportation link between the mainland and Cape Cod. It carries Route 28 and Route 6A over the Cape Cod Canal. The height of the bridge and its exposure to environmental factors such as wind, often impact driving conditions.

29. Sagamore Bridge, Massachusetts

Image source: Reddit

Spanning the Cape Cod Canal in Massachusetts, connecting the town of Bourne with Cape Cod, Sagamore Bridge, like the Bourne Bridge,is a vital transportation link between the mainland and Cape Cod. It's a steel truss bridge that carries Route 6, the main highway serving the Cape.  Regular breakdowns have caused dangerous accidents.

30. Hart Bridge, Florida

Image source: The Florida Times

Situated around the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida. the Hart Bridge, officially known as the Isaiah David Hart Bridge, is a cantilever bridge that provides a crucial link between downtown Jacksonville and the Arlington neighborhood. It offers scenic views of the St. Johns River and facilitates transportation between the city's core and eastern suburbs.  The design of the Bridge and its age have caused dangerous incidents.

31.

Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, California

Image source: Reddit

Richmond-San Rafael Bridge spans the San Francisco Bay, connecting Richmond and San Rafael in California. It is a double-decked cantilever bridge that carries Interstate 580 across the bay. It's a vital transportation link in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving commuters and travelers between the East Bay and Marin County.  The volume of traffic has proved very hazardous in the past.

32. Carquinez Bridge, California

Image source: Reddit

This Bridge is located at the Carquinez Strait, connecting Crockett and Vallejo in California. It consists of two separate spans, the original cantilever bridge and the newer suspension bridge. It's a key transportation artery in the Bay Area, providing a critical link between the East Bay and Solano County.  Poor visibility during bad weather conditions have been and continue to be a problem and there was a fire on the Bridge in 2022.

33. Commodore John Barry Bridge, Pennsylvania/New Jersey

Image source: Reddit

This spans the Delaware River, connecting Chester, Pennsylvania, and Bridgeport, New Jersey.  It is named after Commodore John Barry, an officer in the Continental Navy.  The bridge is a steel cantilever bridge that carries US Route 322.  It's an important transportation link between Pennsylvania and New Jersey and has not been without its structural problems recently.

34. The Bridge of Lions, Florida

Image source: Tripadvisor

The Bridge of Lions spans the Intracoastal Waterway in St. Augustine, Florida.  It is a historic bascule bridge known for its distinctive lion sculptures at each end. It's a significant landmark in St. Augustine and provides access to Anastasia Island and its beaches.  Its age and structural integrity have been of much concern over the years.

35. Piscataqua River Bridge, New Hampshire/Maine

Image source: Reddit

This connects Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with Kittery, Maine.  The Piscataqua River Bridge, also known as the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge, is a vertical lift bridge that carries US Route 1. It's a crucial transportation link in the New Hampshire/Maine seacoast region.  The constant volume of traffic has made it hazardous at times.

36. Gervais Street Bridge, South Carolina

Image source: Insider

This Bridge spans the Congaree River in Columbia, South Carolina. Gervais Street Bridge is an arch bridge that connects downtown Columbia with West Columbia. It offers picturesque views of the river and is a prominent feature of the Columbia skyline.  It has not been without its motor and pedestrian accidents.

37. John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, Ohio/Kentucky

Image source: Reddit

The John A Roebling Suspension Bridge spans the Ohio River, connecting Cincinnati, Ohio, with Covington, Kentucky.  It was designed by John A. Roebling, who later designed the Brooklyn Bridge.  It's the longest suspension bridge in the world, opening in 1866. It has been plagued by structural issues.

38. Clark Memorial Bridge, Indiana/Kentucky

Image source: Reddit

This Bridge connects Louisville, Kentucky, with Jeffersonville, Indiana.  The Clark Memorial Bridge, also known as the Second Street Bridge and is a cantilevered truss bridge that carries US Route 31. It provides a vital link between Louisville and southern Indiana and has just had structural work completed on it.

39. Hernando de Soto Bridge, Tennessee/Arkansas

Image source: Reddit

This spans the Mississippi River, connecting Memphis, Tennessee, with West Memphis, Arkansas. It's a through arch bridge that carries Interstate 40 across the Mississippi River. It's a prominent landmark on the Memphis skyline and a key transportation artery in the region.  There were structural problems in 2021, leading to emergency work having to be carried out.

40. Broadway Bridge, Oregon

Image source: Reddit

The Broadway Bridge spans the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon.  The Bridge is a bascule bridge that connects the Lloyd District with the Old Town Chinatown neighborhood. It's one of the busiest bridges in Portland and provides a vital link for commuters and cyclists.  The constant flow of traffic has made it a hot spot for accidents.

41. Tragic accidents that have happened on U.S. bridges -

Sunshine Skyway Bridge - Tampa Bay, Florida

Image source: Reddit

The most notable incident involving the Sunshine Skyway Bridge occurred in 1980 when the freighter SS Summit Venture collided with the bridge during a severe storm, causing a portion of the bridge to collapse. Several vehicles, including a Greyhound bus, fell into the water, resulting in 35 fatalities. This incident led to significant changes in bridge design and safety regulations.

42. Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco, California

Image source: NBC News

While the Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic landmark, it's also known for its high number of suicides. It's estimated that over 1,500 individuals have jumped from the bridge since its opening in 1937. The bridge has also seen numerous accidents and collisions due to its heavy traffic volume and challenging weather conditions, including dense fog and high winds.

43. Mackinac Bridge - Michigan

Image source: Reddit

The Mackinac Bridge, connecting Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. Due to its length and exposure to harsh weather conditions, including strong winds and ice, the bridge has experienced accidents and closures. In 1989, strong winds caused a tractor-trailer to overturn, resulting in one fatality.

44. Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel - Virginia

Image source: WBAL-TV

This complex bridge-tunnel system experiences occasional accidents due to its length (23 miles), narrow lanes, and exposure to severe weather conditions, including high winds and storms. Accidents have ranged from vehicle collisions to incidents involving large trucks and trailers.

45. George Washington Bridge - New York City, New York

Image source: Reddit

As one of the busiest bridges in the world, the George Washington Bridge sees a high volume of traffic daily. Accidents are not uncommon on this bridge, ranging from minor collisions to more severe incidents involving multiple vehicles, leading to massive disruption.

46. Brooklyn Bridge - New York City, New York

Image source: USA Today

Opened in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. Due to its age and heavy traffic, accidents involving vehicles are not uncommon. Additionally, the pedestrian walkway on the bridge can become congested, leading to accidents or collisions between pedestrians and cyclists.

47. Tacoma Narrows Bridge - Washington

Image source: Salon.com

The original Tacoma Narrows Bridge, also known as "Galloping Gertie," collapsed on November 7, 1940, just a few months after its completion. The collapse was due to aeroelastic flutter caused by high winds interacting with the bridge's design. This event remains one of the most famous bridge engineering failures in history and led to significant advancements in bridge design and aerodynamics.

48. Mississippi River Bridge (I-35W Bridge) - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Image source: Reddit

The I-35W Bridge over the Mississippi River collapsed during rush hour on August 1, 2007. Thirteen people were killed, and 145 were injured in the collapse. The collapse was attributed to a design flaw combined with significant structural deficiencies, leading to the sudden failure of several key gusset plates. The incident sparked nationwide discussions on infrastructure safety.

49. San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge - California

Image source: Reddit

While not as prone to accidents as some other bridges due to its design and maintenance, the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge has seen its share of incidents. Its complex design and high traffic volume can contribute to accidents, including collisions between vehicles and breakdowns.

50. Tappan Zee Bridge (now Mario M. Cuomo Bridge) - New York

Image source: ABC News

The old Tappan Zee Bridge, which was replaced by the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, faced challenges due to its narrow lanes and outdated design. Accidents were relatively common on this bridge, especially during peak traffic hours when congestion was frequent. The replacement bridge, which opened in 2017, was designed to address safety concerns and improve traffic flow.