Iconic Landmarks: Four Bridges Worth Visiting

Bridges are landmarks contributing to a city’s charm and history. The visions behind the construction of these structures were also grand, and captured the prevailing aesthetics of the era. Below are four breathtaking bridges worth visiting:

1. Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco, United States)

The famous red bridge can be seen in countless postcards and other souvenirs, thus earning the record as the most photographed bridge. Opened to the public in 1937, this bridge serves as the West Coast’s landmark. Over 40 million vehicles pass by the bridge yearly.

Image source: Tripadvisor.com

2. Tower Bridge (London, England)

This bridge built in the 19th century is made out of two towers, with its upper level joined by walkways. Most tourists mistakenly take this for the London Bridge, which is much simpler than this architectural marvel. The Tower Bridge got its name from the Tower of London on the other side, which hugely influenced its design.

3. Millau Viaduct (Millau, France)

This is the tallest structure in France with a height of 1,125 ft. Finished in 2004, the bridge has four lanes and spans the valley of the River Tarn near Millau. The aim of its architect, Lord Foster, was to create a delicate-looking bridge that doesn’t obstruct the breathtaking views of nature. The effect is intended to make the bridge look like it’s floating on clouds.

4. Sydney Harbour Bridge (Sydney, Australia)

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is the world’s largest steel arch bridge. It is also nicknamed “The Coat Hanger” for its design and provides a good backdrop to the majestic Sydney Opera House. The bridge carries roads for vehicles and pedestrians from the North Shore to the Sydney central business district. Every New Year, fireworks decorate the view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and skyline, a view the whole world looks forward to witnessing.

Image source: Traveller.com.au

These bridges are great examples of a particular country’s artistic and architectural sensibilities. Visiting these landmarks is a must for travellers who want to soak in a new city’s unique sights and atmosphere.

Lisa Dudzik is a contracts and claims manager originally from Western Australia. Visit this page for more information on Lisa and her field of work.

A Commuter's Guide To Overcrowded Subways

In an effort to reduce the number of cars on the streets, cities turn to the improvement or development of public transportation. One of the more common means of transport is the subway system, a network of underground trains that can stretch for miles. These subways connect cities and allow travelers to reach their destination in a short amount of time.

Image Source: nydailynews.com

An unexpected outcome of successful public transportation projects is overcrowding. As much as local governments try to build more trams and coaches to accommodate commuter traffic, many major cities are overwhelmed by their own populations. Uninitiated commuters could get lost and confused in a maze of people and be discouraged to take public transport altogether. New commuters, in particular, would do well to abide by these suggestions:

Image Source: nydailynews.com

Learn rush hour times: Commuters should know when rush hours are. It is typical for subways to be extremely crowded during these times. These can be extremely dangerous times, especially if one suffers from asthma, claustrophobia, or any condition that could be affected by being around lots of people. It may be considered a hassle, but a few hours before or after rush hours are safe windows for commuters to avoid crowds.

Know the stations: Sometimes it is inevitable to commute during rush hours. In these cases, commuters are advised to learn how each station fills up. Some stations are bigger than others, and are not so bad even when filled with people. These are normally situated in bigger cities or areas. Overcrowding cannot be avoided but at least the commuter will have a better chance of getting inside the train first.

Modern city planners are still figuring out ways to improve the subway system so that overcrowding is no longer an issue. In the meantime, these professionals suggest commuters also strategize with their routes to lighten the daily commute.

Lisa Dudzik specializes in major construction projects involving existing city infrastructure such as highway and subway systems. Learn more insights about infrastructure by following this Twitter account.

The Advantages Of Using Public Transportation

For most people, traveling to and fro via public transport is cheaper. But a lot of people still think using private cars is the wiser option. While owning a car may seem like a sound investment, using public transportation has a lot of benefits, too. 

Public transportation is safer than driving one’s vehicle

 

Public transportation-related accidents are just one-twentieth of the total road fatality rates. Car accidents account for approximately 40,000 deaths and injuries in just one year and is considered as a common cause of death for people below 44 years old.

Image source: tsupp.wordpress.com

Public transportation is convenient

 

There’s no need for the commuter to look for a good parking spot going to school or work because public transportations like subways and buses take them there without the hassle of looking for parking. Commuters also don’t have to worry about driving to their destination because someone else is doing it for them. 

Using public transport makes people physically active

 

People using public transport are more active physically because they walk and move more than the car owner. Brisk walking lowers a person’s risk for various diseases like stroke, heart conditions, back problems, and even depression. 

Image source: sydneymetro.info

Lisa Dudzik is a Western Australia-based contracts and claims manager with over 18 years of professional experience in handling large-scale construction projects like roads, highways, and high-capacity subways and stations. Learn more about trends in public transportation by subscribing to this Twitter account.