Seven Wonders of the Modern World

Channel Tunnel - This idea dates back to 1802, but it wasn't until 1994 that a tunnel under the English Channel was actually completed.

CN Tower - CN Rail decided to build a new tower in the city of Toronto to resolve commnications problems there. During planning they realized they could make it the tallest building in the world.

Empire State Building - The beginning of the 20th century was marked by a boom of building activity in the city of New York. One building would soon rise above the rest: it would eventually be 1,454 feet in height and become an icon for the city and the 20th century.

Golden Gate Bridge - They said it couldn't be built. When the Golden Gate Bridge was finished in 1937 it was longest suspension bridge in the on Earth and a wonder of the modern world.

Itaipu Dam - This South American megadam has put out more electricity than any other dam in history.

Panama Canal - Since the 14th century man had dreamed of a way to connect the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific. It wasn't until 1914 that a massive engineering project would make this vision come true.

Netherlands North Sea Protection Works - At the beginning of the 20th century the Dutch started on a series of immense projects to enlarge and secure their land against the sea. It took nearly a century to complete.

In 1994 the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) decided to put together a list of the most remarkable civil engineering feats of the 20th century. Nominations for this list were taken from all over the world. The seven selected projects are a tribute to the greatest works of the modern world.

The ASCE was founded in 1852 at the Croton Aqueduct, one of the great civil engineering feats of the 19th century. The 12 original members wished to promote excellence in civil engineering and today the society continues that tradition. Their mission is to advance professional knowledge and improve the practice of civil engineering.

In addition to the seven wonders the ASCE has also designated more than 200 projects throughout the world as civil engineering landmarks that illustrate the creativity and innovative spirit of civil engineers.