Bridges were built as a way to transport objects and people across waters.
The Romans were known for their excellence in building bridges, specifically for arch bridges that could stand in any given condition. The Alcántara Bridge, built over the Tagus, in Spain is a fine example.
In time, technology was used. Then came bridges made of rope, timber, iron, and steel. In 1927 the first welded road bridge in Poland came up.
Bridges too have their stories to tell. In London, during WWII a bridge over the Thames became a necessity when the original one had to be demolished. The new bridge was built by women as the men were fighting a war. The Waterloo Bridge is also known as the Ladies Bridge.
Every one knows Paris as the city of love. In keeping with its reputation, tourists who visit the Seine are keen on expressing their undying love by attaching padlocks often with names and messages inscribed on them to the railings of the iconic bridges!
In Sydney, the Harbour Bridge came at a cost. It took 1,400 men eight years to build and cost of 4.2 million dollars and 16 lives were lost. Homes of up to 800 families living along the path of the bridge were demolished and no compensation was given.
Closer home, the Howrah Bridge, a cantilever suspension type bridge is ranked sixth among other bridges of this type. In 1943, when it was constructed, it was ranked third. Initially, the trams also used but was discontinued because of their weight. Today besides cars and buses you will find people, cattle, autos and even dogs crossing over on the bridge!
Finally, there is an epic movie “The Bridge on the River Kwai”. Based on a WW II incident Allied Prisoners of War (POW) were ordered to build two bridges over the Kwai — one a temporary and the other permanent, made of steel and concrete. The bridge would facilitate Japanese troop movement from Bangkok to Rangoon. Watch the movie to see how the making of the bridge takes over the lives of the POWs.
