Akashi kaikyo bridge

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Japan is the world's longest suspension bridge, with a main span of 1,991 meters, connecting Kobe to Awaji Island.

About this subject

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, also called the Pearl Bridge, is a masterpiece of Japanese civil engineering. Opened in 1998, it spans the Akashi Strait, connecting Kobe on Honshu Island to Awaji Island. With a central span of 1,991 meters, it holds the world record for longest suspension bridge, surpassing the Great Belt Bridge in Denmark. Its total length, including access viaducts, is 3,911 meters.

Construction faced extreme challenges. The strait is a busy shipping route with strong currents, typhoons, and earthquakes. During construction in 1995, the Great Hanshin Earthquake struck just 10 km away, but the unfinished structure suffered no major damage. To withstand future quakes, the bridge was built with flexible steel girders and seismic dampers, enabling it to resist magnitude 8.5 earthquakes.

The bridge has three spans: a central 1,991 m and two side spans of 960 m each. The towers rise 282.8 meters, equivalent to an 80-story building. The main cables consist of 127 strands of steel wire each, totaling 290,000 km of wire, enough to circle the Earth seven times. The bridge is painted light green, chosen to blend with the coastal landscape.

Beyond transportation, the Akashi Kaikyo is a tourist attraction. At night, its towers and cables are illuminated, creating a visual spectacle. A viewpoint on Awaji Island offers panoramic scenery. The bridge symbolizes Japan's ability to overcome geographic and natural limitations, linking islands and boosting the local economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total length of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge?

The bridge spans 3,911 meters in total including access viaducts. Its main span is 1,991 meters, the longest of any suspension bridge in the world.

Has the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge been damaged by earthquakes?

During construction in 1995, the Great Hanshin Earthquake struck nearby, but the unfinished bridge suffered no major damage. It is designed to withstand earthquakes up to magnitude 8.5.

Why is the bridge called the Pearl Bridge?

The nickname 'Pearl Bridge' comes from its nighttime illumination, which lights up the cables and towers like a pearl necklace. Its official name is Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.