Ikitsuki Bridge, Steel truss road bridge in Hirado, Japan.
Ikitsuki Bridge is a steel truss road bridge measuring 960 meters long with a main span of around 400 meters across the water. The continuous truss structure supports vehicle traffic between Ikitsuki Island and Hirado.
The bridge opened in 1991 and replaced ferry services that had connected Ikitsuki Island to the mainland. Its completion marked the end of dependence on boat transport for residents crossing between the two areas.
The bridge directly links two communities and transformed daily life for island residents who once depended on ferries. Today it shapes how people move between Ikitsuki and Hirado, making travel routine rather than an expedition.
The bridge serves as an active roadway and is regularly maintained to ensure safe passage. Visitors can cross by car or walk to enjoy views of the water and surrounding islands.
A crack was discovered in the structure in the early 2000s, prompting enhanced monitoring and maintenance protocols. This incident made the bridge an important case study in Japanese engineering practice for structural assessment.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
