As the debate continues as to what should be done to Auckland's Harbour Bridge, some are suggesting an entirely new concept and design.
Bridges can become icons and destinations in their own right. Think of Sydney Harbour Bridge, Tower Bridge in London, or the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
Newshub Travel has selected a handful of bridges from around the world to perhaps provide inspiration for any future bridge replacement. While some would be functional, others may not fit in.
Take a look at the bridges below, and then let other readers know which of these you like, or would like to see in Auckland.
Bridges of the world:
Tower Bridge, London
Some may be a bit confused by the name of this bridge, as many refer to it as London Bridge. London Bridge is actually further along the River Thames, and put it this way: If you had travelled from the other side of the world to see London Bridge, you'd probably be disappointed.
You would be forgiven for thinking this bridge is centuries old, as that's how it appears, but it actually opened in 1894.
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Probably the biggest curveball about the Golden Gate Bridge is that it's not golden at all, it's blood red-orange. It was originally meant to be painted blue and red, but when the steel arrived with orange primer paint already applied, the decision was made to keep it that colour. Each pillar has a unique sounding fog horn due to the prevalence of fog in San Francisco. The bridge is so large, it's believed it also influences the conditions that create the fog itself.
Millau Viaduct, France
This bridge is not only 2.4 km long, it's also 336 metres high. That's taller than Auckland's Sky Tower, making it the tallest bridge in the world. Designers spent 13 years researching their plans before building began.
Jiaozhou Bay Bridge
Millau may be able to claim the world's tallest, but when it comes to the longest, Jiaozhou Bay Bridge has a fair few kilometres on other bridges.
The bridge is 26.7 kilometres long. To put that into perspective. If the Jiaozhou Bay Bridge was in Auckland and started in the same spot as Auckland's Harbour Bridge, it would go as far as Silverdale, Waiheke Island, Takanini or Muriwai in the west.
Kurilpa Bridge, Brisbane
A warning, this bridge may trigger an OCD reaction. Kurilpa Bridge in Brisbane has been named by locals and the media as the world's ugliest bridge. And, unlike some other unfortunate-looking bridges, Kurilpa Bridge's appearance can't be blamed on it being a relic of ancient times, as it was built in 2009.
Lego Bridge, Germany
Just a bit of paint turns a standard bridge into an iconic, international destination.
Lego Bridge, or Lego-Brücke as it is called in German, was just a regular short overpass when it was built, but in 2011, street artist Martin Heuwold gave the dull, grey construction a Lego make-over, inspired by his daughter's love of the bricks.
Do you have any thoughts on these bridges? Let us and other readers know on the Newshub Travel Facebook group.
