Hegigio Gorge Suspension Bridge
Southern Highlands
The Hegigio Gorge Suspension Bridge was a remarkable engineering feat located in the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Completed in 2005, it was a suspension bridge spanning 470 metres over the Tagari River and held the record as the world's highest bridge at 393 metres above the gorge floor. Primarily constructed to transport petroleum oil from the Southeast Mananda oil field, it was also the highest pipeline bridge globally. This bridge symbolized significant infrastructural development in a remote and rugged region, connecting vital oil production sites. However, the bridge suffered severe damage during the 2018 Papua New Guinea earthquake, compromising its structural integrity. Ultimately, it was demolished in 2023, marking the end of its brief but notable existence. Despite its demolition, the Hegigio Gorge Suspension Bridge remains a landmark in the history of engineering and Papua New Guinea's industrial progress.
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Interesting facts
- •At 393 metres, it was the highest bridge in the world from 2005 to 2009.
- •It was the highest pipeline bridge globally, designed specifically for oil transport.
- •The bridge spanned 470 metres across the Tagari River gorge.
- •Severe damage from the 2018 earthquake led to its eventual demolition in 2023.
History
The Hegigio Gorge Suspension Bridge was completed in 2005, becoming the world's highest bridge at the time.
It served as a critical infrastructure for transporting petroleum oil in Papua New Guinea's Southern Highlands.
The record was held until 2009 when the Sidu River Bridge in China surpassed it in height.
The bridge endured significant damage in the 2018 Papua New Guinea earthquake, which led to its demolition in 2023.
