開平橋, Concrete bridge in Yatsukacho Eshima, Japan
The Kaiheibashi connects Sakaiminato in Tottori Prefecture with Matsue in Shimane Prefecture by crossing Lake Nakaumi. The concrete structure features two different road grades, one on each side, to manage the elevation change as it spans the water.
Construction took place between 1997 and 2004 to replace an older drawbridge that had weight restrictions. The new structure was designed to handle heavier vehicles and significantly more traffic than its predecessor.
The bridge structure represents modern Japanese engineering principles with its rigid-frame design, making it the largest of its type in Japan.
Several observation points along the bridge are equipped with viewing devices to see the lake and surrounding mountains. The best light for photography occurs in early morning or late afternoon when the sun angles create softer lighting.
The road grade on the Shimane side is noticeably steeper than on the Tottori side, creating a different driving sensation when crossing. This elevation difference allows the bridge to accommodate the varying land heights on both sides of the lake.
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