1. Traffic Control
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The round shape acts like a giant roundabout.
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It slows vehicles down before entering or exiting the bridge, reducing accidents.
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Especially useful in areas with high-speed traffic approaching from multiple directions.
🌊 2. Waterway Navigation
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The circle could allow boats or small vessels to pass underneath safely if there’s a navigational channel in the center.
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A straight bridge might block important paths on the water.
🏗️ 3. Engineering or Terrain Constraints
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The land or existing roads may not align perfectly.
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Curved bridges help in adjusting the angles and connecting mismatched roads or terrain on both sides.
🎯 4. Aesthetic or Landmark Purpose
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Sometimes, it’s simply about creating a visually striking structure.
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Unusual bridges often become landmarks or tourist attractions.
It’s not always about going the shortest distance — it’s about balancing safety, function, environment, and aesthetics. The red lines in your image illustrate the “obvious” path, but in design, the obvious choice isn’t always the best one!