Suramadu Bridge, Cable-stayed bridge in Surabaya, Indonesia

Suramadu Bridge crosses the Madura Strait, linking the island of Java to the smaller neighboring island of Madura over a total length of more than five kilometers. Two tall towers support the roadway with cables, while the structure offers four lanes for cars and two additional lanes for motorcycles.

Groundbreaking took place on 20 August 2003 under President Megawati Soekarnoputri, and construction proceeded from both the Surabaya and Bangkalan sides. Chinese firms built the crossing with a US$400 million loan agreed in 2004, and work finally started on 19 November 2005 after the Indian Ocean tsunami. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono opened the bridge on 10 June 2009.

The name Suramadu combines the first syllables of the two places linked across the strait. Motorcyclists use the dedicated outer lanes heavily, reflecting how motorbikes are one of the main forms of transport on Java.

Motorcyclists use the outer lanes and should be cautious in strong winds, as the roadway sits high above the water. The central lanes are reserved for cars, and traffic can become dense during rush hours.

The structure combines three different bridge types along its span, which is technically rare and results from the changing depths of the strait. Large vessels can pass beneath the central section, as the clearance above sea level leaves sufficient room.