Akashi kaikyo bridge

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Japan is the world's longest central span suspension bridge, linking Kobe to Awaji Island since 1998.

About this subject

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, also known as the Pearl Bridge, spans the Akashi Strait, connecting Kobe on Honshu Island to Awaji Island. Opened on April 5, 1998, its construction took ten years and cost approximately 500 billion yen. Its central span of 1,991 meters (6,532 feet) made it the world's longest suspension bridge, a record it still holds. The structure was designed to withstand winds up to 286 km/h, earthquakes of magnitude 8.5, and ocean currents of up to 4.5 m/s. This is because the strait is seismically active; during construction in 1995, the Great Hanshin Earthquake struck the region, but the bridge, still under construction, suffered only minor damage without collapse. The project included steel towers 297 meters tall and main cables 1.12 meters in diameter, each containing 36,830 steel wires. The bridge is a landmark of Japanese civil engineering and attracts tourists for its nighttime illumination and panoramic views of the Akashi Strait.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total length of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge?

The bridge is 3,911 meters long, with a central span of 1,991 meters and two side spans of 960 meters each.

Is the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge earthquake-resistant?

Yes, it was designed to withstand earthquakes up to magnitude 8.5, as demonstrated during the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, when it suffered only minor damage.

Why is the bridge called the Pearl Bridge?

The nickname Pearl Bridge comes from its official name in Japanese and the nighttime illumination that makes the structure glow like a jewel over the strait.