This bridge was one of my first forays into building bridges with popsicle sticks way back in the 2000s. I have revised this model quite a few times over the years, and this page represents the most current version as of 2025. The basic dimensions have stayed the same, the difference has mainly been where to include extra sticks for reinforcement.
I designed this bridge to be easy to duplicate for folks wanting to build a similar bridge, with the idea that they would be able to achieve similar results as I did. In that regard this has been a massive success, with hundreds of customers building this exact bridge. In 2025, I officially separated this into 3 designs, Basic, Advanced, and Extreme.
The Basic version represents the most simple way to span 12 inches using as few popsicle sticks as possible without modifying the sticks at all. It is a challenge to get the layout just right, but in the end it worked out quite nicely.
What are the specs on this bridge?
- Length: 13.5 inches
- Span: 12 inches
- Height: 4 inches
- Width: 3.5 inches
- # of sticks: 44
- Glue: Elmer’s Glue All
- Weight: 54.56g or 1.93oz
- Strength: 45.5kg, or 100 lbs*
- Efficiency Score: 832
How was this bridge tested?
I built 10 identical bridges, each using only 44 popsicle sticks and Elmer’s Glue All. All bridges were made using my assembly jigs to help increase the consistency. I tested each bridge using my testing machine which applies a load to the top of the bridge in a controlled and non-destructive fashion. Note, the testing bridges did not have the optional cardstock roadbed.
Testing Data
| ID | Weight (g) | Weight Held (kg) | Score |
| 1 | 54.4 | 40.9 | 750 |
| 2 | 54.8 | 53.6 | 977 |
| 3 | 54.4 | 46.4 | 850 |
| 4 | 53.6 | 50.5 | 939 |
| 5 | 54.6 | 37.7 | 690 |
| 6 | 55.6 | 47.7 | 857 |
| 7 | 56.5 | 42.7 | 755 |
| 8 | 53.6 | 46.4 | 863 |
| 9 | 52.7 | 44.1 | 835 |
| 10 | 55.4 | 44.5 | 802 |
Analysis
| Weight (g) | Weight Held (kg) | Score | |
| Average | 54.56 | 45.5 | 832 |
| Max | 56.5 | 53.6 | 977 |
| Min | 52.7 | 37.7 | 690 |
| Range | 3.8 | 15.9 | 287 |
I was very pleased to see that the average weight held was 45.5kg, or 100 lbs. This was an improvement over the previous versions, despite using fewer popsicle sticks.
This is very useful but i was wondering if you tested how much weight they could hold and how you simulated the weight?
This bridge held 90 pounds before breaking.
Hi! I was wondering if the weight the bridge held was placed on the top or hung from the bottom.
Thank you!
Rachel, the weight for this bridge was loaded from the top.
this is one nice bridge guys you guys are awesome i wish i was as cool as you guys
i am a grade 3 and i have to make a bridge made of 100 popcicle sticks
harsh i had 2 do that 2 3 years ago well got to go
good luck with the bridge
Wow im at school now making a bridge and you,ve helped me alot
thanks good luck on your next bridge
How long is the top of the bridge
Jamie, the top of Popsicle Bridge #1 is 10 inches long.
hey there! i am a student doing a bridge project..and i find this website very very helpful. thank you!
this was a website my teacher recommended..!
I got in this website because the teacher told me so I could learn more of how to make a bridge out of wood and so it can not be destroid when i was in technology
I am trying this bridge for a project. it has to hold atleast 50 textbook’s. Hope it can. I will let you know what happens.
one thing flip it over and add extensions for the bottom to be the road. we did this with a 36 cm bridge and it held 113 lbs so its a good design
thanks for posting these bridges really helpful
i am going to try this for my project in science ypu have to see how much weight can a bridge hold. dose this bridge hold a lot of weight?
The description says it holds up to 90lbs without breaking. 🙂
I’d like to buy the plans, how can I?
You can purchase the plans here:
https://www.garrettsbridges.com/store
This Demonstration helps me a lot to make a bridge
this is so cool