Ikuchi Bridge, Cable-stayed bridge in Onomichi, Japan
Ikuchi Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge stretching approximately 790 meters across the Seto Inland Sea, linking Innoshima Island to Ikuchijima Island. Its pylons rise about 127 meters above the water and form the distinctive silhouette visible from both islands.
This bridge opened in 1991 and briefly held the world record for the longest cable-stayed bridge. The construction introduced an innovative combination of materials and techniques that was new to Japanese engineering at that time.
This bridge is part of the Shimanami Kaido cycling route, where visitors from across Japan ride to experience island-hopping and coastal views. The crossing has become a destination for people seeking outdoor recreation and the feeling of pedaling between island communities.
The bridge has dedicated paths for cyclists and pedestrians on its southern side, while the northern side carries regular traffic. Visitors should plan their crossing during clear weather to fully enjoy the sea views and safety.
This bridge uses a distinctive construction method combining concrete girders in the side sections with steel girders in the main span. This hybrid approach was groundbreaking for Japan and showed how creatively engineers could solve large span problems.
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