The North Yungas Road has earned the unofficial title of “most dangerous highway in the world.” This comes from a combination of its height, narrowness, and lack of guardrails. The route spans 50 miles or 80 kilometers, connecting Coroico and La Paz.
This road is part of the Cordillera Oriental Mountain Range. The highest point along the Bolivian road is 4,600 meters off the ground or 15,091 feet. Given the lack of guardrails and the fact that the road is just 3.5 meters across, this is incredibly dangerous. The nickname of “the most dangerous highway in the world” is not the only unofficial title for the North Yungas Road. It is also called the “Road of Death.” Until about 2006, 200 to 300 people would die on the road every year. 2006, however, saw the addition of guardrails along with paving and extra width in some areas. While it isn’t quite as deadly as it used to be, driving on this road is certainly still dangerous.
Sometimes inspiration can be found in the most unlikely places. Take the humble bridge. How much thought do we give to a thing that simply transports us from one place to another? Necessity and practicality are words rarely associated with beauty, but our selection of 10 of the world’s best bridges could make you see these majestic structures through new eyes.
