akashi kaikyo bridge construction process

Spanning the length of the exhibition hall is a 1:100 scale 40m-long test model of the bridge. The Great Seto Bridge forms the main rail connection, and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is the economic artery between the mainland and Shikoku.” “The Shimanami Kaido route in the west is the ‘lifestyle’ bridge with its cycle lanes and sidewalks. “There are three main bridge connections between Honshu and Shikoku, each with their distinct roles,” explains Nunohiro. Opened in 1998, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge even managed to withstand the impact of the Kobe Earthquake in the middle of its construction.

It was a testament to Japanese engineering. Looking through the exhibits, it was clear to see the incredible precision and innovation needed to complete such a colossal project. The tour began with a safety explanation and a walk around the permanent exhibition. On the regular group tours, the guides are all retired engineers and operators who personally worked on the bridge during its construction. I met my guides for the day, Atsushi Nunohiro and Tatsuya Nishiyama from the Honshu-Shikoku Bridge Expressway Company who oversee the bridge’s day-to-day maintenance and operations. Last year they received over 11,000 visitors – so make sure you book early. The popular tours are scheduled twice a day between Thursday and Sunday, and National holidays from April to November. The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge World tour began in 2005 and is now a key global destination in the burgeoning ‘infrastructure tourism’ sector. You can find it on the mainland next to this 4km-long superstructure that connects Kobe to Awaji Island – the gateway to Shikoku. The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Exhibition Center is the starting point of the tour. I was about to experience the highlight of the Bridge World tour on Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Japan – the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world. After walking through the heavily reinforced steel structure, an automated ceiling hatch slowly begins to slide open. As we approach 297m, the compact elevator comes to a halt with a clunk. Inside, small lights track our ascent to the top.

Akashi kaikyo bridge construction process