span length

The span length of a bridge is the total length along which it does not rest on the ground or on any type of berm. It includes all sections resting on piers, held up from above, or cantilevered from the side, regardless of whether those sections cross land or water.

Span length is measured along the center of the bridge deck, and follows any curves or angles in the bridge; therefore it can be longer than the structure's actual length if the bridge does not follow a straight line.

Intermediate piers do not end the total measurement. A supported crossing over dry land belongs in the same span length as an otherwise equivalent section over water.