Declared open to the public more than a decade ago on 7th of May 2002, the King Rama III Bridge can be considered one of the newest additions to the ever expanding engineering feats of the city of Bangkok. Regarded as one the biggest cable stage bridges with an asymmetrical design during the time of its construction this iconic overpass has become a landmark in the tourist heartland of the Thai capital. Indispensable to thousands of commuters that cross the Chao Praya River along this larger-than-life bridge the venue also serves as a touristic attraction due to its stunning appearance and grand scale. Originally constructed to help ease the congestion along Phra Pinklao Bridge the Rama VIII Bridge took nearly three years to complete and was named after King Ananda Mahidolit who was crowned as King Rama VIII and also opened for the first time on his birth anniversary. Featured on a 15 to 20 baht note in the country, the proud structure stands at the backdrop with its namesake monarch in the forefront showcasing the bridge’s cultural significance in its homeland.
Towering above the river at a staggering height of 520 feet 475m long bridge has a clearance of a whopping 34 feet and is suspended by 84 cables that are located on either side of the structure. The central span of the bridge is an impressive 980 feet and was designed by the renowned Buckland and Taylor group. Having garnered several industry awards for its captivating design and architectural elements the Rama VIII Bridge was most notably named as a marvel of engineering by the Engineers Society of Western Pennsylvania, earning the prestigious Eugene C. Figg Jr. Medal in 2003. The design group of Buckland and Taylor also received an award from CEBC as well as an award of excellence from the Canadian Consulting Engineer in the same year.
Notable architectural features of the bridge include its Lotus motif pedestrian railings, its octagonal elephant foot shaped enclosures and golden sheath covered cables. At the summit of the structure’s tower lies an observation desk that is deemed the tallest in the world. The 15 m high lotus shaped glass deck can be reached by an elevator within the tower and affords stunning views across Bangkok.
Travellers in search of luxury accommodation in Bangkok should look no further than Citadines Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok for the best rooms in the capital. Providing guests with perfectly furnished Sukhumvit apartments with all the modern comforts this stylish rest is ideally suited for holidaymakers as well as business travellers.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
