The concept of a bridge is central to infrastructure development and the movement of goods and people across physical barriers. Modern bridges are often marvels of engineering, designed to withstand the forces of nature, traffic, and time. They vary in type, from simple pedestrian bridges to large-scale suspension bridges, and have evolved significantly since their ancient counterparts.
Today, bridges are critical not just in transportation, but also in metaphorical terms, such as "bridging the gap" in communication, culture, and relationships. Advances in materials and engineering have allowed for ever more ambitious bridge designs, such as the Golden Gate Bridge or the Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge in China, both of which serve as testament to human ingenuity in overcoming natural obstacles.