柴航路橋, Rigid frame bridge in Sakaiminato, Japan
The Chaikouro Bridge is a rigid frame structure spanning 1.7 kilometers across Lake Nakaumi, connecting Sakaiminato in Tottori Prefecture with Matsue in Shimane Prefecture. The roadway measures 11.3 meters wide and rises steeply on both approaches to clear the water for vessels passing beneath.
The bridge was completed in 2004 and replaced an older drawbridge that restricted vehicles to 14 tons in weight. This new structure enabled much heavier vehicles to cross and greatly improved transportation links between the two prefectures.
The bridge serves local commuters who travel between the two prefectures regularly, cutting travel time across the lake significantly. It has become part of the daily routine for people moving between communities on opposite shores.
The gradient measures about 6.1 percent on the Shimane side and 5.1 percent on the Tottori side, manageable for standard vehicles. Driving during rush hours is best avoided since the narrow profile and sharp curves can become congested with heavy traffic.
From certain angles, the bridge appears optically steeper than it actually is and went viral on social media because photographs from specific spots dramatically exaggerate the slope. A popular photo spot exists near a convenience store at the Shimane interchange, where the perspective trick works most effectively.
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