How a suspension bridge works

Position 1: These main cables are anchored firmly into the ground at each end, where they bear enormous tension.

Position 2: From the main cables, smaller vertical cables drop down to support the roadway along its length.

Position 3: This elegant arrangement allows a single span to stretch much further than a conventional bridge could.

Position 4: A suspension bridge carries its deck not on pillars beneath it, but on cables hung from tall towers.