The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

The view when crossing the bridge

<a href="https://www.roadtraffic-technology.com/projects/akashi-kaikyo-bridge-strait-japan/">cover</a> <a href="https://www.travelarrangejapan.com/climbing-experience-at-akashi-kaikyo-bridge/">picture 1</a> <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3559.html">picture 2</a> <a href="https://www.oyakata.com.pl/ksiega-mistrza-oyakata/podroze-po-japonii/most-perlowy-akashi-kaikyo-najdluzszy-most-wiszacy-na-swiecie">picture 3</a>

The longest suspension bridge in the world

Before the bridge was built people had to get across the Akashi Strait using ferries. However, this was very dangerous because of frequent storms. Two disasters in 1945 and 1955 killed around 500 people in total. These tragedies convinced the government to build a bridge that could provide a safe way to travel.

Construction started in 1986. Originally there was going to be a railroad alongside a road but due to financial reasons, the railroad was never built. The bridge was officially opened on April 5th, 1998.

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, also called "the Pearl Bridge" is located in Japan. It connects two islands: Honshu and Awaji Island. It's 282.8 meters high and 3,911 meters long which makes it the longest suspension bridge in the world. The bridge is used by around 23,000 cars per day.

The bridge is able to withstand a wind load of 180 miles per hour and an earthquake measuring 8.5 on the Richter scale.

The bridge holds three records, it is the longest, highest, and most expensive suspension bridge in the world.

The Akashi–Kaikyo bridge has a total of 1,737 illumination lights: 1,084 for the main cables, 116 for the main towers, 405 for the girders, and 132 for the anchorages.

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