Akashi kaikyo bridge

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Japan is the world's longest suspension bridge, with a main span of 1.991 meters.

About this subject

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, also known as the Pearl Bridge, connects the city of Kobe on Honshu Island with Awaji Island, crossing the Akashi Strait. Construction began in 1988 and was completed in 1998, after a decade of work. Its main span of 1.991 meters (6.532 feet) made it the world's longest suspension bridge, a record it still holds today.

The bridge was designed to withstand earthquakes and typhoons common in the region. During construction, the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995 struck the area, but the partially built structure suffered only minor damage. The main cables consist of 290 steel wires each, totaling 290.000 km of wire, enough to circle the Earth seven times.

Beyond its transportation role, the bridge has become an icon of Japanese civil engineering. Its tallest tower reaches 298 meters above sea level, and the deck carries six traffic lanes. The nighttime illumination is a spectacle, with 1.800 colored lamps creating different seasonal patterns.

The name "Akashi Kaikyo" refers to the strait where it is located. The bridge provides significant time savings for travelers between Honshu and Shikoku, integrating the national highway network. Fun fact: the total length of the bridge is 3.911 meters, including approach viaducts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main span length of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge?

The main span of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is 1.991 meters (6.532 feet), the longest of any suspension bridge in the world.

Was the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge affected by the 1995 Kobe earthquake?

Yes, the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995 struck during construction. The bridge suffered only minor damage and was repaired, keeping the project on schedule.

How many steel wires make up the bridge's main cables?

Each main cable contains 290 steel wires, totaling 290.000 km (180.000 miles) of wire across the entire structure.