Offbeat Traveler: Russky Island bridge, world’s longest cable-stayed bridge

Earlier this month, Russia unveiled the Russky Island bridge, the world’s longest cable-stayed bridge (a type of bridge where its towers bear the load). The suspended portion of the bridge, which connects Russky Island to Vladivostok in southeastern Russia, spans about 3,600 feet, about 600 feet less than suspended portion of the Golden Gate bridge, a suspension bridge (where cables bear the load). The bridge, painted in the colors of Russia’s flag, costs $1 billion to build.

The Russky Island bridge, whose total length is about 10,000 feet, from Vladivostok.  (Martin Bureau / AFP/Getty Images)

An aerial view of Russky Island, whose population is about 5,000.   (Martin Bureau / AFP/Getty Images)

Some of the 192 cables used to construct the bridge.   (Martin Bureau / AFP/Getty Images)

A man works on Russky Island bridge.   (Martin Bureau / AFP/Getty Images)