Editing Bridge (section)

{{Short description|Structure built to span physical obstacles}}
{{about|the structure|the card game|Contract bridge|other uses|Bridge (disambiguation)|and|Bridges (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
[[File:Temporary wooden footbridge leading to the city of Luang Prabang.jpg|thumb|A temporary wooden footbridge leading to [[Luang Prabang]] in Laos]]
A '''bridge''' is a structure built to [[Span (engineering)|span]] a physical obstacle (such as a [[body of water]], [[valley]], road, or railway) without blocking the path underneath. It is constructed for the purpose of providing passage over the obstacle, which is usually something that is otherwise difficult or impossible to cross. There are many different designs of bridges, each serving a particular purpose and applicable to different situations. Designs of bridges vary depending on factors such as the function of the bridge, the nature of the terrain where the bridge is constructed and anchored, the material used to make it, and the funds available to build it.

The earliest bridges were likely made with fallen trees and [[stepping stones]]. The [[Neolithic]] people built [[boardwalk]] bridges across marshland. The [[Arkadiko Bridge]], dating from the 13th century BC, in the [[Peloponnese]] is one of the oldest [[arch bridge]]s in existence and use.