Kurushima-Kaikyō Bridge, Suspension bridge in Imabari, Shikoku, Japan
The Kurushima-Kaikyō Bridge spans 4,105 meters (13,476 feet) across the Kurushima Strait, comprising three connected suspension sections supported by six steel towers reaching 178 meters (584 feet) in height and linked by shared anchorages.
Construction began on May 15, 1988, and the bridge officially opened to traffic on May 1, 1999, becoming the world's longest suspension bridge structure at the time and completing a vital connection within the Honshu-Shikoku Bridge Project.
The bridge forms part of the Shimanami Kaidō, a popular route for cyclists that crosses multiple islands in the Seto Inland Sea, earning recognition as a destination for cyclists who enjoy scenic ocean views along dedicated bicycle lanes.
The bridge features four roadway lanes along with bicycle and pedestrian paths, stretching 27 meters (89 feet) in width and connecting Imabari in Ehime Prefecture with Ōshima Island via the Nishi-Seto Expressway.
The structure received the Tanaka Prize from the Japan Society of Civil Engineers for its innovative use of three successive suspension spans joined by common anchorages, a design that provides flexibility and stability in challenging seismic conditions.
Location: Imabari
Inception: May 1, 1999
Official opening: May 1, 1999
Length: 4,105 m
Width: 27 m
Reference: E76
Made from material: steel
Address: Umashima, Imabari, Ehime 799-2123, Japan 799-2123 Imabari
Phone: +81782911033
Website: https://jb-honshi.co.jp/english/corp_index/technology/introduction/introduction_kurushima.html
GPS coordinates: 34.12110,133.00100
Latest update: November 28, 2025 11:44
This collection gathers bridges that hold world records for span length, defined as the distance between two main pylons. While the longest bridge in the world measures 165 kilometers in China, this refers to the maximum span covered in one continuous structure. These constructions demonstrate engineering achievements in crossing maritime straits, rivers, or valleys without intermediate supports. The Çanakkale Bridge in Turkey crosses the Dardanelles Strait with a span of 2,023 meters, setting the current record for suspension bridges. In Japan, the Akashi Strait Bridge connects Kobe to Awaji Island with a central span of 1,991 meters. In China, several bridges exceed 1,600 meters in span, such as the Yangsigang Bridge over the Yangtze in Wuhan or the Xihoumen Bridge in the Zhoushan Archipelago. South Korea with the Yi Sun-sin Bridge, Denmark with the Great Belt Bridge, and Turkey with the Osman Gazi Bridge complete this list of remarkable structures. These bridges are interesting destinations for observing modern civil engineering accomplishments. They connect cities and regions, significantly reducing travel times while offering scenic views of the landscapes they cross. Visiting them allows appreciation of the scope of work involved in constructing these infrastructures under often challenging conditions.
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