名手橋, Rigid-frame bridge between Matsue and Sakaiminato, Japan
Nate Bridge is a steel rigid-frame structure that connects two shorelines across Lake Nakaumi and allows vehicles to cross the water. The structure was built to carry heavy loads while maintaining a reasonably flat driving surface.
The bridge replaced an older drawbridge that only permitted light vehicles and caused frequent traffic delays. The new structure was built between 1997 and 2004 to provide a more dependable connection.
The bridge serves as a symbol of modern Japanese engineering excellence, ranking as the largest rigid-frame bridge in Japan and third largest worldwide.
From Sakaiminato Station, you can reach the bridge on foot in about 20 minutes. Observation points are located along the roadway where you can view the lake and surrounding area.
Although the surface is relatively flat, the bridge appears extremely steep in photographs because of its 6.1% gradient on one side. This optical illusion has made it famous on social media and draws many visitors who want to experience the effect firsthand.
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