As a tribute to the ability of modern society to achieve the unachievable, reach unreachable heights, and scorn the notion of "it can't be done," a list of seven wonders of the modern world was compiled in 1994 by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Get familiar with the projects that pay tribute to the greatest civil engineering achievements of the 20th century. Brought to you by Tourism-Review.com.
SEVEN WONDERS OF THE MODERN WORLD
James Morris
- Jan 16, 2012
The Channel Tunnel (UK / France)
The Tunnel is a 50.5 kilometer-undersea-rail tunnel linking Folkestone in the United Kingdom with Coquelles, near Calais, in northern France beneath the English Channel at the Strait of Dover. The lowest point is 75 m (250 ft) deep. With its 37.9 km (23.5 mi), the Channel Tunnel has the longest undersea portion of any tunnel in the world. The Tunnel, with no doubts, could be listed among 7 wonders of the modern world
The CN Tower (Toronto, Canada)
Completed in 1976, this communications and observation tower in Downtown Toronto became the world's tallest free-standing structure and world's tallest tower at the time (553.33 m). It held both records for 34 years until the completion of Burj Khalifa and Canton Tower. It remains a signature icon of Toronto's skyline, and a symbol of Canada, attracting more than two million international visitors annually. Many Canadians believe that the CN Tower deserves to be listed as number one in seven wonders of the modern world.
The Empire State Building (New York, USA)
A 102-story landmark skyscraper and American cultural icon in Art Deco style in New York City – the Empire State Building is a must see tourism attraction. With its antenna spire included, it stands a total of 443.2 m (1,454 ft) high. It stood as the world's tallest building for 40 years, from its completion in 1931 until the construction of the World Trade Center's North Tower was completed in 1972.
Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco, USA)
This suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate is one of the most internationally recognized symbols of San Francisco and of the United States. It was named the most beautiful and the most photographed bridge in the world. The total length of the bridge is 2,737 m (8,981 feet). Among its attractions is also a 93 cm (36.5 inch) wide cross-section of a cable, containing 27,572 separate wires on display.
The Itaipu Dam (Brazil / Paraguay)
Itaipu is a hydroelectric dam on the Paraná River between Brazil and Paraguay. It is the largest operating hydroelectric facility in terms of annual generating capacity. In 2008, the plant generated a record 94.68 billion kWh, supplying 90% of the electricity consumed by Paraguay and 19% of that consumed by Brazil. Brazilian are quite proud that The Itaipu Dam is listed among 7 wonders of the modern world.
Delta Works & Zuiderzee Works (Netherlands)
Delta Works is a series of construction projects – dams, sluices, locks, dikes, levees, and storm surge barriers – built in the southwest of the Netherlands to protect a large area of land around the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta from the sea. The estuaries of these rivers were subject to flooding over the centuries. The aim of the system was to shorten the coastline, thus reducing the number of dikes that had to be raised. Similarly, the main purpose of the Zuiderzee Works was to improve flood protection and create additional land for agriculture.
The Panama Canal (Panama)
The Panama Canal is a 77 kilometer-ship canal in Panama that joins the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean and is a key conduit for international maritime trade. One of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken among seven wonders of the modern world; the canal had an enormous impact on shipping between the two oceans, replacing the long and treacherous route via either the Strait of Magellan or Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of South America.
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