A bridge and method of installing the bridge for spanning a hydrological surface feature. The bridge includes a deck spanning the hydrological surface feature, at least one tower, and a tensile support system connecting the deck with the tower under tension to provide a tensile force for supporting the deck. A density and surface area of the deck, and the tensile force provided by the tensile support system, are selected to facilitate flotation of the deck on the hydrological feature with a top surface of the deck at a selected elevation above a surface the hydrological surface feature while supporting a selected load and while the deck is supported by the tensile force.