Infrastructure and Construction

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World's Tallest Bridge Officially Opens to Traffic, Cutting Travel Time from 2 Hours Down to 2 Minutes

The newly-built Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Southern China towers over the Beipan River at approximately 2,050 feet tall

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NEED TO KNOW

- The world’s tallest bridge, located in the Guizhou province in Southern China, officially opened to traffic on Sunday, Sept. 28
- Called the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, the engineering marvel towers approximately 2,050 feet above the Beipan River
- It took nearly four years to construct, and reduces travel time across the canyon from two hours to two minutes

The world’s tallest bridge has officially opened for traffic — and it’s cutting down travel time for commuters by a significant amount.

The record-breaking Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Southern China stands approximately 2,050 feet above the Beipan River, making it the tallest bridge in the world, according to NBC News and CNN. The newly-constructed bridge — which towers over the river and gorge in the province of Guizhou — officially opened to traffic on Sunday, Sept. 28.

After three years and eight months of construction, the record-breaking bridge now connects major tourist spots in the region and cuts travel time across the canyon from two hours to two minutes, NBC News reported, citing local officials.


Aerial view of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in China.

At 4,600 feet in length, it also sets the record for the world’s longest bridge in a mountainous region, according to NBC News.

The bridge took the “world’s tallest” record from another bridge in the Guizhou province, the Beipanjiang Bridge, which crosses over the same river.

In addition to the faster commute across the canyon, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge was built in an effort to increase tourism and economic growth in the region.

One of the highest points of the bridge is home to a coffee shop that stands approximately 2,600 feet above the river, per NBC News. Located atop one of the towers, tourists can take a high-speed elevator up to the lookout point to enjoy the sweeping views.


Tourists visit the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge on Sept. 28, 2025.
CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty

Thrill seekers also have the option to try out bungee jumping on the bridge, or walk along a glass walkway at 1,900 feet in the air.

https://people.com/worlds-tallest-bridg ... s-11821029

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Like no other commute on the planet: Inside Saudi Arabia’s dazzling $22-billion metro system

Taking the metro is usually little more than a means to an end while moving around cities, but Saudi Arabia’s brand new Riyadh Metro is turning this notion on its head.

Launched in December 2024, the automated rapid transit system brings new meaning to the phrase, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.”

Spanning over 176 kilometers, or about 110 miles, across six different lines, the long-awaited network — the world’s longest driverless metro system — links key points across the capital, including King Khalid International Airport and the King Abdullah Financial District, or KAFD.

Standout stations


Riyadh's stunning King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station (KAFD) was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. - Royal Commission for Riyadh City
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Built at a cost of $22.5-billion, the system can carry at least 3.6 million passengers a day. And it’s filled with what can only be described as architectural marvels.

Riyadh Metro has a total of 85 stations, with four stand outs — King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), STC, Western Station and Qasr Al Hokm.

Located in Riyadh’s historic core, Qasr Al Hokm was designed by Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta in collaboration with design and consultancy firm ONEWORKS + CREW. Officially opened in February 2025, it provides direct access to several government buildings and landmarks, including Al-Hukm Palace, Imam Turki bin Abdullah Grand Mosque and Al Masmak Palace.

But, the station itself has already become a landmark itself. Commuters often stop to admire its sweeping design.

Covering 22,500 square meters, and reaching 40 meters underground, Qasr Al-Hokm is spread across seven floors, with 17 elevators and 46 escalators. Its curved stainless-steel canopy reflects images of the surrounding district, a deliberate blending of history and modernity.

Inside are shops, art displays and even an indoor garden, where travelers can pause on benches and take in the space.

A top attraction


The long-awaited network spans over 176 kilometers across six different lines. - Royal Commission for Riyadh City
More
For some, the station now rivals established tourist sites.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/no- ... ccounter=2

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Meta Builds AI Center the Size of 70 Football Fields. Residents Near Similar Facility Say They're 'Scared to Drink Our Own Water

“It feels like we’re fighting an unwinnable battle that we didn’t sign up for,” said Beverly Morris, who lives near Meta's data center in Georgia


Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg; the Richland Parish Data Center.
Credit : David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty; Meta

NEED TO KNOW

- A massive AI data center is being built in rural Louisiana by Meta, as residents in Georgia say they're navigating a poor water supply after the company began constructing a similar facility in 2018
- Beverly Morris said she's "scared" to drink water from her well
- Meta has promised 500 new jobs will be created because of the project in Louisiana, and plans to be "water positive" by 2030, ensuring its facilities restore more water than they consume

In a rural Louisiana farming community of 20,000 people, Meta is building a 4-million-square-foot artificial intelligence data center, even as some locals in Georgia grapple with a dwindling and discolored water supply following the construction of a similar facility that began in 2018.

The new builds are part of a larger trend in which everyday residents are caught in the path of tech companies seeking to build infrastructure in new areas with few regulations. Regions are drained of important resources, with citizens often paying some of the cost.

For some residents of Newton County, Ga., issues with their water supply began as Meta started building a $750 million data center in 2018, The New York Times reported.

However, Facebook's parent company previously said that its existing centers have had "positive impacts" in the local communities and economies where they're built.

That wasn't the case for Beverly and Jeff Morris, who live about 1,000 feet away from the Georgia facility. Their problems began shortly after Meta broke ground on the center, according to the Times. Months after construction began, a number of their appliances that use water stopped working — and Jeff told the newspaper that a buildup of sediment in the water was to blame.


Since then, they've had to replace their appliances three times, per the Times. Even now, the couple told the newspaper they only have one working bathroom, which they share with their adult son with Down syndrome.

“It feels like we’re fighting an unwinnable battle that we didn’t sign up for,” Beverly told the outlet, adding that she's "scared to drink our own water."

Still, the Morrises aren't the only ones noticing a drastic shift in their well water. Their neighbor, Chris Wilson, told the Times that he has had issues with poor water pressure since construction began. To keep his water flowing, he now replaces his filters every month instead of annually. At times, the water gets "so brown, you’d think it came from a creek," Wilson told the paper.

In a statement shared with PEOPLE, the company maintained that an independent study found the center doesn't use groundwater for any purpose and water flows away from the homeowners' well, making it "very unlikely" that the facility's activities were impacting them.

Instead, the Meta site sources water for construction from more than 10 miles away from the Morrises' house, the company said.

The spokesperson did not dispute Meta's data centers use large amounts of water but said it has taken steps to be sustainable.

Meta's facilities use a "cooling technology that is significantly more water efficient than the industry standard" and reuses water multiple times, the spokesperson said. Meta's sites also use natural vegetation to help reduce "irrigation demands," and capture rainwater.

The company said it uses an equal amount of "clean and renewable energy" as the electricity it consumes, and plans to restore more water than its facilities use by 2030.

The 2.5-million-square-foot data center outside Atlanta uses about 10% of the county’s total water use a day, the Times reported.

On average, such facilities can consume 500,000 gallons of water on a daily basis, mostly to cool computer servers.

If the local water authority can't upgrade the current facilities, locals in Newton County may have to ration their water. Ben Sheidler, a spokesperson for the Joint Development Authority, which oversees the industrial park in which the center is located, told the paper that the cause of the county's water problems is unknown.

“I wouldn’t want to speculate that even the construction had something to do with it,” Sheidler told the paper of the water issues the two families are facing. “One thousand feet away is a pretty significant distance.”

Recently, other companies have applied to build data centers in Newton County, some of which requested 6 million gallons of water a day, according to the Times.

“Water is an afterthought” for tech companies, Newsha Ajami, a hydrologist and director of urban water policy at Stanford University, told the paper. “The thinking is, ‘Someone will figure that out later.’”

Last December, the social media giant announced that it was constructing a $10 billion data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana, according to Reuters and the Associated Press, which put the square footage in terms that are easier to understand: the center is as big as 70 football fields.

“Meta is building the future of human connection and the technology that makes it possible. And this data center will be an important part of that mission,” said Kevin Janda, Meta's director of Data Center Strategy, in December 2024.

What isn’t clear is how much the parent company of Instagram will pay to cover the more than $3 billion in new infrastructure to power the center, the AP reported.

This summer, Louisiana’s Public Service Commission voted to expedite the approval for the construction of three natural gas turbines that will run the center on more than 2 gigawatts of energy, WIRED reported.

Critics protested the rushed process, claiming there was no time for changes in the deal filed by Meta and Entergy Louisiana, the utility company that will oversee the plants, according to the outlet. Members of the public also expressed concerns that their energy bills would increase and there would be water shortages, according to WIRED.

The infrastructure plan was approved in a four-to-one vote, after Entergy promised to increase protections to stop a potential increase in the rates residents will pay, the AP reported.

Nondisclosure agreements have ensured that Meta doesn’t have to share how much it will pay towards the project, the AP reported. The company will also benefit from a state law that exempts it from paying sales tax, which could have resulted in “tens of millions of dollars or more each year” in revenue, according to the AP.

For Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis, the only person to vote no, there is a lack of transparency about how much energy the data center will consume, if Meta’s 500 promised jobs will come to fruition and if the gas-powered turbines were the best option.

“There’s certain information we should know and need to know but don’t have,” Lewis told the outlet.

Meta has agreed to pay for about half of the cost of the turbines over the first 15 of the 30-year period, but the $550 million transmission line will be funded by all grid users, the AP reported.

When contacted by PEOPLE, Entergy said in a statement that “Meta is directly paying for the infrastructure required to interconnect and serve them, which protects other customers from paying that cost.”

The utility company also claimed that “Meta’s electric payments to Entergy will lower what customers pay for resilience upgrades by approximately 10%,” in addition to a reduction in storm charges once the facility is running.

“Meta coming to Louisiana means customer bills will be lower than they otherwise would have been,” Entergy said.

Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive officer of Meta Platforms Inc., wears a pair of Meta Ray-Ban Display AI glasses during the Meta Connect event in Menlo Park, California, US, on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025.

Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta.
David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty

When the AI center was announced in December 2024, the Louisiana Economic Development called it a “transformational investment” that was projected to create 500 or more new jobs and 1,000 “indirect jobs.”

“Meta’s investment establishes the region as an anchor in Louisiana’s rapidly expanding tech sector, revitalizes one of our state’s beautiful rural areas, and creates opportunities for Louisiana workers to fill high-paying jobs of the future,” Gov. Jeff Landry said in a statement at the time.

In its own statement shared with PEOPLE, Meta touted the same number of jobs — plus an additional 5,000 construction jobs — and said that they're investing "over $200 million in local infrastructure improvements, including roads and water infrastructure."

"Richland Parish is our home, and we are committed to playing a positive role and investing in the community’s long-term vitality," the company said in a statement.

"Meta has worked closely with Entergy from the beginning to plan for our energy needs, and we will cover the utility’s cost to serve this data center," their statement continued. "Meta worked with Entergy to ensure we cover the costs associated with our energy load without shifting costs onto other Entergy Louisiana customers."

Trucks pass by the site of Meta's Richland Parish Data Center in Holly Ridge, La., Monday, Aug. 18, 2025.

Trucks pass by the site of the Meta data center in Richland Parish, La.
AP Photo/Sophie Bates

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Despite these promises, there is concern that the Meta site will impact locals in a negative way. (In September, The Shreveport Times ran the headline “A Meta data center is coming to Louisiana. Why it will use up state's water, electricity”.) Critics say that Meta could step away from or not renew its contract, leaving the public to fund the power plants for the remainder of the 30 years, the AP reported.

“My general fear is that too many data centers are being built,” Susan Stevens Miller, a lawyer for the Union of Concerned Scientists and Alliance for Affordable Energy, which opposed the application for the turbines, told WIRED. “That means some of the data centers are just going to be abandoned by the owners.”

https://people.com/meta-builds-ai-data- ... s-11821565

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The 6 Largest Museums in the World

From Paris to Beijing, the world's largest museums stand out for their immense collections, record-breaking scale, and millions of visitors.



Museums play a vital role in preserving history and educating the public about people, places, animals, art, and artifacts from all around the world. While there are museums in just about every major city across the globe, some are vast institutions that one could spend days wandering through, poring over the depth and diversity of their collections. In this article, we have gathered the world’s largest museums, whether by size, collection, or research center, and examine what each of these incredible institutions has to offer for the millions of visitors who trek there every year. You can also explore our lists of the world’s must-visit History https://www.thecollector.com/best-histo ... the-world/ and Art museums https://www.thecollector.com/must-visit-art-museums/.


1. The Louvre Is the Largest Museum in the World


Aerial view of the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.

Of all the museums in the world, the Louvre in Paris is the largest by gallery space, covering more than 650,000 square feet in total. The museum was once a medieval fortress, and the home for French kings before becoming the vast Parisian Museum in 1793 that we know and love today.

The Louvre is home to some of the most important art and artifacts in the history of human civilization, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa (1519), The Winged Victory of Samothrace, Théodore Géricault’s Raft of the Medusa (1818-19), and Eugene Delacroix’s iconic masterpiece Liberty Leading the People, (1830), to name just a few. Because of its incredible scale, one could spend literally days wandering through the Louvre, which is why so many people come back again and again to take in more.

Size: Collection size Annual visitation:
782,910 square feet of gallery space 600,000+ works ~9 million

2. The Smithsonian Institution Is the Largest Museum Complex


The entrance to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

The Smithsonian Institution is the largest complex of museums in the world, with 19 different galleries and museums spread across the United States, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of African Art, and the National Air and Space Museum.

The Smithsonian also runs a large zoological park, containing a long A to Z of animals from the tiniest insects to the largest mammals. And, alongside these sites, there are eight different research stations where diverse fields are explored, including marine biology, astrophysics, environmental research, and American art.

Size: Collection size Annual visitation:
154 million square feet across all facilities 154 million+ objects ~22 million

3. Russia’s State Hermitage Museum Has the Largest Collection of Paintings


Interior view of the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia.

While other museums have achieved record-breaking scale and floor space, the State Hermitage Museum in Russia currently houses the largest collection of any single museum in the entire world. They own more than 3 million artifacts that date all the way from the Stone Age to the early 20th century.

Once the home of Russian Tsars, this impressive stretch of six buildings running along the river Neva was converted into a court museum in 1764 by Catherine the Great to house her impressive collection of paintings. One of the museum’s star attractions is its Gold Rooms, showcasing priceless gold masterpieces from Eurasia, the Orient, and the Black Sea Littoral. They also own masterpieces by Western artists, including Rubens, Titian, Goya, Picasso, and Van Gogh.

Size: Collection size Annual visitation:
2.7 million square feet across six buildings 3 million+ objects (including tens of thousands of paintings) ~4.5 million

4. The National Museum of China Is the Largest Single-Building Museum


Exterior view of the National Museum of China in Beijing.

The National Museum of China, located on the eastern side of Tiananmen Square in Beijing, holds the record as the largest single museum building in the world. Formed in 2003 through the merger of the Museum of Chinese History and the Museum of the Chinese Revolution, it now stands as one of the most important cultural institutions in Asia.

Inside its 48 exhibition halls, visitors can explore more than 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, from Neolithic jade carvings to Qing dynasty relics. With its sheer scale and unrivaled collection of Chinese cultural treasures, the museum continues to draw millions of visitors each year.

Size: Collection size Annual visitation:
2.1 million square feet of total construction area 1.4 million+ objects ~7.4 million

5. The Grand Egyptian Museum Is the Largest Museum for a Single Civilization


Interior view of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt.

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza is the largest museum in the world devoted to a single civilization. Situated just two kilometers from the Giza Pyramid Complex, the GEM represents a monumental investment in preserving Egypt’s heritage. Construction began in 2005 and was completed in 2023 at a cost of $1 billion, with its official opening set for November 2025.

Once fully open, the museum will display the complete collection of Tutankhamun’s treasures for the first time, alongside colossal statues and artifacts spanning Egypt’s 5,000-year history. The GEM is designed not only as an exhibition space but also as a major research and conservation center, redefining how the world engages with ancient Egyptian culture.

Size: Collection size Grand opening date:
410,000 square feet of gallery space 100,000+ objects November 1, 2025

6. The Metropolitan Museum of Art Is the Largest Museum in the Americas


Interior view of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the largest museum in the Americas. While its gallery space is smaller than the Louvre, the Met’s total floor area stretches to an extraordinary 2 million square feet, making it the most expansive museum in the Western Hemisphere.

Opened in 1870, the Metropolitan Museum’s aim was “to bring art and art education to the American people.” Since this time, it has more than fulfilled its role, housing an impressive array of around 50,000 different objects spanning more than 5,000 years of human history. These range from the columns of ancient Greek temples to indigenous African wood carvings, along with Canova’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa, 1804-6, and John Singer Sargent’s infamous Madame X, 1883-84.

Size: Collection size Annual visitation:
633,000 of gallery space 1.5 million+ works ~5.5 million

Recap & Quick Facts

Museum Location Size (gallery / area) Collection size Annual visitation / Opening

- The Louvre Paris, France 782,910 sq ft of gallery space 600,000+ works ~9 million
- Smithsonian Institution United States (19 museums + National Zoo) 154 million sq ft across all facilities 154 million+ objects ~22 million
- State Hermitage Museum St. Petersburg, Russia 2.7 million sq ft across six buildings 3 million+ objects ~4.5 million
- National Museum of China Beijing, China 2.1 million sq ft total construction area 1.4 million+ objects ~7.4 million
- Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) Giza, Egypt 410,000 sq ft of gallery space 100,000+ objects Grand opening: Nov 1, 2025
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art New York City, USA 633,000 sq ft of gallery space (≈ 2 million sq ft total floor area) 1.5 million+ works ~5.5 million

https://www.thecollector.com/largest-mu ... the-world/

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Goodbye to traditional skyscrapers—Saudi Arabia is already building The Mukaab, the giant cube that will be the largest building on the planet and can house 20 Empire State Buildings


Goodbye to traditional skyscrapers—Saudi Arabia is already building The Mukaab, the giant cube that will be the largest building on the planet and can house 20 Empire State Buildings

With 828 meters and 163 floors, the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, ranks first on the list of the 10 tallest buildings in the world. However, Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is about to take that record from its neighboring country with its new construction. It is the New Murabba, the new building that will rise in the heart of the capital, with enough capacity to fit the equivalent of 20 Empire State Buildings.

The Mukaab is the centerpiece of this new construction, which will cover more than 21.5 million square feet of commercial, cultural, and entertainment space, including a 500-room luxury hotel. The goal is for this mega-project to combine traditional Najdi architecture with innovation. Phase One is expected to be completed in 2030, coinciding with Expo 2030.

Burj Khalifa

With a height of 828 meters and designed by Adrian Smith, the Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest skyscraper created by humans. Its construction began in 2004 and extended over time until it was inaugurated in 2010. It is located in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, and houses luxury hotels, apartments, offices, and observation decks, making it a symbol of Dubai’s ambition as well as an important tourist destination. The building’s shape is inspired by the Hymenocallis flower, with a Y-shaped base that optimizes the use of light and the views from its interior.

New Mubarak

New Mubarak is a real estate megaproject under construction in the northwest of Riyadh, the easternmost city of Diriyah, in Saudi Arabia. It was the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, who announced the project in February 2023, describing it as the largest modern urban center project in the world.

The Mukaab

This is the centerpiece of the New Mubbara, standing 1,312 feet tall (400 meters), with sides of equal length. It will take the form of a cube, with more than 21.5 million square feet of commercial, cultural, and entertainment space, including a 500-room luxury hotel. According to New Murabba’s CEO, Michael Dyke, “The Mukaab is designed to be a transformative landmark on Riyadh’s skyline, on par with the world’s most iconic structures”.

Construction Progress

Currently, the construction teams have completed 86% of the foundation excavation. This has required more than 400 pieces of heavy equipment and the deployment of 250 excavators. Work is being done on a volume equivalent to 4,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, with over 13 million cubic meters of earth moved.

Logistics

One of the main concerns is not to congest traffic on the roads of Riyadh, so a temporary bridge will be built over the King Khalid highway. Through this bridge, 800,000 van trips will be diverted from public roads.

Design

The exterior design of The Mukaab aims to preserve the traditional Najdi style, combined with innovation. The interior, however, will be completely futuristic and offer an immersive experience. It will feature walls capable of projecting images. “You could fall asleep in the Serengeti and wake up in Manhattan,” explains Dyke. More than 400,000 residents will make up the new district of The Mukaab, which is expected to complete Phase One by 2030, coinciding with Expo 2030.

https://www.lagradaonline.com/us/buildi ... -building/

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NASA confirms that China’s Three Gorges Dam could lengthen each day as it causes irreversible changes to Earth.

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Written by Boston Organics
10/11/2025

China’s monumental engineering achievement has triggered unexpected consequences for our planet’s fundamental properties. The Three Gorges Dam, standing as humanity’s largest hydroelectric project, demonstrates how massive human constructions can influence Earth’s rotation patterns. NASA scientists discovered this engineering marvel literally extends our daily experience by microscopic amounts.

Massive water redistribution alters planetary rotation mechanics

The Three Gorges Dam creates profound effects on Earth’s rotational dynamics through its enormous water storage capacity. Dr. Benjamin Fong Chao from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center explains how redistributing massive water volumes fundamentally changes our planet’s physical properties. The structure holds approximately 10 trillion gallons when operating at full capacity, creating sufficient mass displacement to influence planetary mechanics.

This phenomenon operates through the moment of inertia principle, where concentrated mass redistribution affects rotational speed. The dam’s influence extends each Earth day by precisely 0.06 microseconds, demonstrating how human engineering can measurably impact celestial mechanics. Scientists compare this effect to natural geological events like the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, which shortened days by 2.68 microseconds through tectonic plate movements.

Beyond temporal effects, the dam shifts Earth’s geographic poles approximately two centimeters, making our planet slightly flatter. These changes illustrate how modern megastructures can influence fundamental planetary characteristics. Researchers studying various phenomena, from archaeological discoveries in sealed historical chambers to astronomical observations, continue documenting humanity’s expanding influence on natural systems.

Engineering specifications behind the world’s largest power station

Standing 175 meters above sea level in western Wuhan, the Three Gorges Dam represents unprecedented engineering ambition. The Chinese government invested ¥203 billion ($31.765 billion) creating this massive infrastructure project. Daily electricity generation reaches 0.54 terawatt-hours, providing sufficient power for 5.4 million households monthly when operating at maximum capacity.

Construction required significant environmental sacrifice, flooding 13 cities and 140 towns while displacing over 31 million residents. The reservoir’s flood storage capacity spans 22 cubic kilometers, forming an artificial lake that permanently transformed regional geography. This massive water body creates the precise conditions necessary for influencing planetary rotation dynamics.

China continues pursuing ambitious infrastructure projects, including space-based power stations and plans for constructing dams three times larger than Three Gorges on the Yarlung Tsangpo River. These developments reflect growing international interest in megastructures despite their environmental implications. Such projects join other remarkable discoveries, like scientists documenting record-breaking marine life in Atlantic waters, showcasing humanity’s expanding understanding of our planet’s systems.

Climate change compounds Earth’s rotational alterations

Scientists studying Earth’s polar motion have identified multiple factors affecting our planet’s rotation beyond human engineering projects. Research published in Nature examining 120 years of data reveals climate change independently lengthens days by approximately 1.33 milliseconds per century since 2000. This natural phenomenon compounds the artificial effects created by massive infrastructure like the Three Gorges Dam.

The study “Contributions of core, mantle and climatological processes to Earth’s polar motion” demonstrates how various planetary forces simultaneously influence rotational patterns. Researchers document several key factors affecting Earth’s rotation :

- Glacial ice redistribution due to climate warming
- Ocean current pattern changes
- Atmospheric pressure variations
- Tectonic plate movements
- Large-scale human engineering projects

These combined influences create measurable changes in planetary mechanics, though their practical impact remains minimal for human experience. The Three Gorges Dam’s 0.06 microsecond daily extension equals approximately three additional days over the universe’s entire age, demonstrating the microscopic nature of these effects.


Global megastructures demonstrate humanity’s planetary influence

The Three Gorges Dam joins other remarkable human constructions demonstrating our species’ capacity to create planet-altering infrastructure. Projects like the Great Wall of China, Beijing Daxing International Airport, and Dubai’s Burj Khalifa represent humanity’s expanding construction capabilities. Even orbital installations like the International Space Station contribute to this trend toward unprecedented scale building.

Astronomers and planetary scientists continue examining how natural and artificial forces influence Earth and other celestial bodies. Advanced observational technology expands understanding of cosmic phenomena, with researchers potentially discovering evidence of ninth planets within our solar system. These investigations parallel studies of human impact on terrestrial systems.

Online reactions to NASA’s discovery include humorous comments about extended workdays, but scientific reality presents no cause for concern regarding noticeable time changes. As humanity constructs increasingly ambitious structures, scientists monitor their cumulative effects on fundamental planetary properties. The Three Gorges Dam exemplifies how modern engineering achievements can influence even basic planetary characteristics like rotational speed, demonstrating the profound reach of human technological capability.

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Passionate about making fresh, organic produce accessible to everyone. Our team is dedicated to supporting healthy living, sustainable practices, and local communities.

https://blog.bostonorganics.com/chinas- ... -confirms/

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International team exposes weakness in bridges worldwide—North American and African bridges most at risk


The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is one of 744 long-span bridges examined by a University of Houston researcher and international team. Credit: Pexels

A University of Houston scientist is helping reveal the world's weakest bridges—and how to fix them before it's too late. In a study of 744 bridges across the globe, published in Nature Communications, Pietro Milillo and an international team found that structures in North America are in the poorest condition, followed by those in Africa. Their solution could change how infrastructure is protected worldwide: monitoring bridge stability from space to detect problems before they become disasters.

The grim bridge news correlates with the age of the bridges, as there was a peak in North American bridge construction in the 1960s, meaning many of these bridges are near or beyond their design lives. The solution—to use spaceborne monitoring of bridges via Synthetic Aperture Radar—offers frequently acquired, high-resolution imagery with global coverage and extensive historical archives.

"Our research shows that spaceborne radar monitoring could provide regular oversight for more than 60% of the world's long-span bridges," said Milillo, co-author of the study and an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at UH.

"By integrating satellite data into risk frameworks, we can significantly lower the number of bridges classified as high-risk, especially in regions where installing traditional sensors is too costly," he said.

The international team, including Dominika Malinowska, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) and the University of Bath; Cormac Reale and Chris Blenkinsopp (University of Bath), and Giorgia Giardina (TU Delft), used a remote sensing technique called Multi-Temporal Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (MT-InSAR).

The researchers revealed it can complement traditional inspections by detecting millimeter-scale displacement caused by slow-moving phenomena like landslides or subsidence or detecting anomalies across spatially extensive regions.

Bridges are among the most vulnerable parts of the transportation networks, yet traditional monitoring has limitations. In-person visual inspections can be subjective and expensive, while inspectors may miss signs of early deterioration between typical bi-yearly inspection cycles.

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) sensors offer a more cost-effective solution, but their implementation remains limited primarily to newer bridges and specific concern cases, with the study confirming that they are installed on fewer than 20% of the world's long-span bridges.

This leaves a significant gap in the understanding of the structural condition of bridges.

A solution from the skies

"Remote sensing offers a complement to SHM sensors, can reduce maintenance costs, and can support visual inspections, particularly when direct access to a structure is challenging," said Milillo. "For bridges specifically, MT-InSAR allows for more frequent deformation measurements across the entire infrastructure network, unlike traditional inspections, which typically occur only a few times per year and require personnel on the ground."

Said Malinowska, "While using MT-InSAR to monitor bridges is well-established in academic circles, it has yet to be routinely adopted by the authorities and engineers responsible for them. Our work provides the global-scale evidence showing this is a viable and effective tool that can be deployed now."

Researchers found that incorporating data from MT-InSAR, particularly pixels with stable scattering properties known as persistent scatterers (PS), into risk assessments provides more accurate risk registers through uncertainty reduction, enabling better risk prioritization and maintenance planning.

The method proposed by this international research team integrates the availability of monitoring from both SHM sensors and satellites like the European Space Agency's Sentinel-1 or the recently launched NASA NISAR into a bridge's structural vulnerability score.

By providing more frequent updates than typical visual inspections, this combined monitoring approach reduces uncertainty about a bridge's current condition, leading to more accurate risk classification.

https://techxplore.com/news/2025-10-int ... idges.html

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Farewell to the border between Europe and Asia – the Bosphorus Tunnel revolutionizes mobility and connects two continents under the sea


The Bosphorus Tunnel connects two continents under the sea

The Bosphorus Tunnel connects two continents under the sea

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Strange as it may seem, there is a city that lies halfway between Europe and Asia. It is Istanbul, of course, a historic city and the only metropolis that truly spans two different continents. These two continents are divided by the majestic Bosphorus Strait, which has also been one of the city’s biggest traffic problems. For millions of residents in the area, this strait is a barrier of water that created daily traffic jams and missed important appointments.

The city depended on a few completely congested bridges that created immense logistical stress. That is why the Bosphorus tunnel has become a solution to the chaos on the surface. From now on, it will be possible to travel directly under the sea to both sides of the city. Urban life in Istanbul will once again become more efficient.

The Eurasia Tunnel

The tunnel is a feat of modern civil engineering. Its official name is the Istanbul Bosphorus Road Tunnel, but many have nicknamed it the Bosphorus Tunnel. It is exclusively for vehicles, meaning it is reserved for cars and minibuses.

One of its most distinctive features is that it has two floors, like two roads stacked on top of each other. This allows four traffic lanes (two towards Asia and two towards Europe) to circulate simultaneously. This double-deck design was created to maximize the number of cars circulating while minimizing the diameter of the bore. If four lanes had been placed in parallel, they would have had to be shored up and much more care would have had to be taken with the design.

The Bosphorus Tunnel stretches for 14.6 km, 5.4 km of which are underwater. After four years of construction, the tunnel was officially opened and put into service in December 2016. This encouraged efficiency in private vehicle travel. What used to take 100 minutes stuck in surface traffic now took only 15 minutes using this tunnel. This massive time saving represents thousands of precious hours that the citizens of Istanbul now have back.

The Architectonical Achievement at a Depth of 106 Meters

The Gracia Tunnel had to fight a battle against the Earth’s crust itself. This structure was much more complex than simply drilling through soft earth. Ultimately, engineers had to contend with extreme geological conditions on the seabed, where the tunnel reaches a maximum depth of 106 meters below the surface of the Bosphorus. At this level, the water pressure is immense, so they had to design a machine specifically to deal with a mixture of gravel, dense clay, and high water saturation. Reaching depths of 106 meters and withstanding pressures of 11 bars, it offers a daily miracle of time savings.

No, depth and water pressure were not the only dangers. Istanbul is notoriously close to the North Anatolian Fault, which is fully geologically active. Seismic events (earthquakes) were not a theoretical risk, but an absolute certainty during the structure’s lifetime. For this, the builders implemented Japanese-inspired solutions: flexible seismic joints.

These were installed in the bridge’s cladding and act as massive shock absorbers.

In the event of a powerful earthquake, these special measures allow the tunnel structure to move, twist, and shift with the earth without cracking or collapsing. This is a work of proactive safety engineering.

Other tunnels in Istanbul

This road tunnel is not the only one in Istanbul, but rather complements an earlier project, the Marmaray. This other tunnel, inaugurated in 2013, is a railway tunnel that also passes under the Bosphorus. Together, these two tunnels form a comprehensive modern transport system for the megacity that straddles Europe and Asia.

The other best-known tunnel in Europe is the Eurotunnel, also known as the Channel Tunnel. This gigantic undertaking connects the United Kingdom (England) with France, crossing the cold waters of the English Channel.

https://eladelantado.com/en/europe-asia ... us-tunnel/

[kmaherali]

7 most incredible bridges in the world that blend engineering and artistic mastery

Where art meets engineering – discover nine bridges that twist, glow, and breathe life into the future of design.

7 most incredible bridges in the world that blend engineering and artistic mastery


Helix Bridge (L) and Øresund Bridge (R)

Source: 1, 2

One look at any of the bridges today and you’d think the concept of this engineering marvel might just be about two or three centuries old. That’s not the case, though. Bridges have existed since time immemorial. One of the oldest bridges is the Arkadiko Bridge, built in the Mycenaean period in Greece (c. 1300-1190 BC).

Since then, bridge engineering has evolved dramatically, pushing the boundaries of engineering. Today, they aren’t a means of crossing a river or just a road, but a symbol of the artistic vision that architects and designers possess.

From bridges that breathe fire to structures that curl up like living organisms, here’s a look at the top 7 most incredible and futuristic bridges in the world that demonstrate how engineering isn’t just about utility, but also carving designs that evoke wonder in human minds.

Types of bridges

Before we look at these giant structures, here’s a foundation you’d need to go through to understand the basics of modern bridge design and engineering.

1. Suspension bridges: These structures utilize cables suspended between towers to the deck through vertical hangers. Famous examples include the Golden Gate Bridge and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.

2. Cable-Stayed bridges: These bridges have their decks supported directly by cables from the towers. They have diagonal cables, which are efficient for medium to long spans. The Øresund Bridge in Sweden is a fine example of studying these bridges.

3. Arch bridges: These bridges rely on compression to transfer loads along a curved path to supports at each end. Based on an ancient design principle, they are highly effective for medium spans, where the arch can be positioned above or below the deck. The Sydney Harbor Bridge is a fine example of this type.

4. Beam bridges: These bridges are supported by piers or abutments, commonly used for shorter distances, and can incorporate various materials, including steel, concrete, or composite structures. Most highway overpasses use this bridge type.

5. Truss bridges: These bridges use triangulated structures to distribute loads, making them both strong and economical. Railway bridges are constructed using this type.

6. Cantilever bridges: These bridges have projecting beams supported at one end. This eliminates the need for temporary supports and allows longer spans without intermediate piers. The Forth Bridge in Scotland is a fine instance of this type of bridge.

7. Movable bridges: These bridges incorporate mechanical systems that allow portions of the structures to move, accommodating vehicle traffic and maritime navigation. The UK’s Tower Bridge https://interestingengineering.com/list ... -worldwide would come to your mind instantly when you read this.

Now, let’s get started with the bridges.

1. Millau Viaduct, France


Source: Wikimedia Commons

Designer: Norman Foster and Michel Virlogeux
Location: Millau, Aveyron, France
Length: 2,460 meters (8,071 feet)
Type: Multi-span cable-stayed bridge

Taller than the Eiffel Tower, the Millau Viaduct is a breathtaking example of the milestones human engineering can achieve. Soaring 343 meters above the Tarn Valley, this bridge was designed to withstand 250 km/h speeds. It also borrows aerodynamic features from aircraft design to minimize wind resistance.

This engineering masterpiece required revolutionary construction techniques, including using hydraulic systems to launch the deck across the valley. The Millau Viaduct was constructed using approximately 290,000 tonnes of materials with a total investment of €394 million. The construction process was completed in three years.

2. Henderson Waves Bridge, Singapore


Source: Wikimedia Commons

Designer: IJP Corporation and RSP Architects
Location: Singapore (Southern Ridges)
Length: 274 meters (899 feet)
Type: Steel pedestrian bridge with wave structure

The Henderson Waves Bridge is as mathematical as it gets. Architect George Legendre designed it entirely based on three-dimensional algebraic equations, making it one of the first bridges where mathematics directly determined architectural design.

At 36 meters above Henderson Road, it claims to be Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge.

Coming to design, the bridge has curved sections that rise above the deck level, creating sheltered alcoves perfect for seating. Meanwhile, the sections that dip below provide structural continuity.

The wooden ribs of the bridge are illuminated with LED lighting systems at night, creating a spectacular vision that makes it an iconic symbol of Singapore’s architectural innovation.

3. The Rolling Bridge, London


Source: Wikimedia Commons

Designer: Thomas Heatherwick Studio
Location: Paddington Basin, London, England
Length: 12 meters (39 feet)
Type: Kinetic curling movable bridge

The Rolling Bridge is perhaps one of the most innovative movable bridges ever conceived. It’s much more than the usual linear opening movable bridges usually have. This groundbreaking structure comprises eight triangular steel sections that roll up to a perfect octagon in 2-3 minutes.

The bridge’s movement was inspired by the natural way a dinosaur’s tail might curl if it were alive. When it curls, the bridge transforms from a simple truss structure to a cantilevered system, displaying a fine fusion of two bridge types.

Operating every Friday at noon, the Rolling Bridge becomes an enthralling sight, drawing large crowds to witness its unfolding process over the Grand Union Canal.

4. Gateshead Millennium Bridge, England


Source: Wikimedia Commons

Designer: WilkinsonEyre Architects and Gifford Engineers
Location: River Tyne between Gateshead and Newcastle, England
Length: 126 meters (413 feet)
Type: Tilting pedestrian and cyclist bridge

A pedestrian bridge by nature, the Gateshead Millennium Bridge has earned the nickname “The Winking Eye” for its revolutionary tilting mechanism. It’s the world’s first bridge to rotate as a complete unit rather than lifting or swinging sections.

It has two graceful parabolic arches – one forming the pedestrian deck while another providing support. These arches pivot together around common springing points to create a 40-degree tilt in just 4 minutes.

The bridge tilts over 500 times annually to accommodate Royal Navy vessels and private boats accessing the Newcastle City Marina. The bridge also has a self-cleaning mechanism, where debris naturally rolls toward collection traps during tilting.

5. Øresund Bridge, Sweden


Source: Wikimedia Commons

Designer: Jørgen Nissen, Klaus Falbe Hansen (Ove Arup & Partners)
Location: Between Denmark and Sweden across the Øresund Strait
Length: 7,845 meters (4.88 miles) bridge section
Type: Combined cable-stayed bridge and tunnel system

The Øresund Bridge combines a bridge, a tunnel, and an artificial island seamlessly to connect two nations – Denmark and Sweden. Regarded as one of the most ambitious transportation projects ever, this bridge features a four-lane motorway and a double-track railway, supported by concrete piers.

The Øresund Bridge is designed to withstand ship collisions, aircraft impacts, earthquakes, and high winds. The bridge section alone weighs about 82,000 tonnes, with bearings weighing up to 20 tonnes each. It can handle a vertical load of up to 96,000 kilonewtons.

The project revolutionized transportation between Scandinavia and continental Europe and serves as the backbone for internet data transmission across the region, demonstrating how modern infrastructure can simultaneously serve multiple purposes.

6. Dragon Bridge, Da Nang, Vietnam


Source: Wikimedia Commons

Designer: Ammann & Whitney Consulting Engineers with Louis Berger Group
Location: Da Nang, Vietnam (crossing the Han River)
Length: 666 meters (2,185 feet)
Type: Steel arch-beam-wire combination bridge with dragon sculpture

The Dragon Bridge in Vietnam looks straight out of an anime movie. And rightly so, when you know what it actually does. Designed with an amalgamation of pure engineering and engineered for theatrical performance, the bridge literally breathes fire and water.

Every Saturday and Sunday, it draws excited crowds that witness the dragon spitting flames and releasing water three times using 18 specially designed nozzles. Built with an investment of $88 million, it incorporates over 15,000 lights that transform the structure into a shimmering golden serpent at night.

Coming to utility, the bridge provides the shortest route from Da Nang International Airport to the city’s eastern beaches, carrying six lanes of traffic.

Inspired by Vietnamese cultural mythology, the dragon breathing involves carefully coordinating structural engineering, hydraulic systems, and pyrotechnic safety measures.

7. Helix Bridge, Singapore


Source: Getty Images

Designer: Cox Architecture, Architects 61, and Arup Engineers
Location: Marina Bay, Singapore
Length: 280 meters (918 feet)
Type: Pedestrian bridge with double helix structure

The Helix Bridge mimics the double Helix of DNA, inspired by the fundamental building blocks of life. It runs across Marina Bay in Singapore, serving as a functional pedestrian bridge.

Built in only one-fifth of the total steel usually required for building bridges, it relies heavily on structural efficiency and advanced computational design. The bridge incorporates five viewing platforms fused with a curved structure, so pedestrians can pause and enjoy the scenic and panoramic view of the Singapore skyline.

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At night, the helical patterns https://www.popularmechanics.com/techno ... e-bridges/ look adorned with ribbons of LED lighting, transforming the bridge into a shimmering sculpture that reflects in the waters below.

The bridge’s design philosophy extends beyond aesthetics, representing Singaf as a modern, interconnected, visioned city.

Conclusion

From simple stone arches to fire-breathing bridges, we’ve come a long way in how we build connections. Today’s bridges show how art and engineering can come together beautifully. They remind us that building isn’t just about function—it’s about creating something that inspires.

https://interestingengineering.com/inno ... s-in-world

[kmaherali]

BREAKING: SGR train accident on Dar-Morogoro route [VIDEO]

Tanzania’s modern railway dream hit a setback this morning after an SGR train derailed near Morogoro, sparking swift emergency


What began as a smooth SGR journey from Dar to Morogoro turned chaotic within minutes - but rescue teams were quick to respond. Image: Screenshot/File

This morning the new standard-gauge railway (SGR) train heading from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro encountered a serious incident. The train left Dar early and collided with infrastructure just outside Morogoro.

The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) confirmed multiple injuries and a full investigation has begun. The route had been celebrated for its speed and modern service.

WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR

The train was operating on the SGR line between Dar and Morogoro when the accident occurred.
Initial reports indicate several carriages derailed, with passengers evacuated to nearby medical centres.
Emergency services and TRC teams are on site assessing damage and assisting those affected.
The line will remain closed for investigation and repairs until further notice.
Passengers on the journey have been asked to report any details about seats, carriage numbers or observations to TRC.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR TRAVELLERS AND THE NATION

This SGR accident challenges the confidence in a flagship rail project that symbolised progress.

For travellers it means delays, uncertainty and reviewing safety before booking.

For Tanzania it raises questions about infrastructure maintenance, emergency response and reliability of rail services.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Passengers are urged to use alternative transport between Dar and Morogoro. Compensation arrangements and medical support will be announced for injured travellers.

The government will examine how to reinforce safety systems on the SGR network.

It’s a reminder that infrastructure triumphs must be matched by rigorous safety and upkeep – please check your travel plans and stay updated with TRC’s notices.

'SA People' is hiring! Freelance writer positions av

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