Sinamalé Bridge, Road bridge in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives
The Sinamalé Bridge is a road viaduct in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives, running across open water between two islands. The roadway carries cars and motorbikes, while a side pathway separated by railings offers space for walkers.
The connection opened in 2018 and marked the first structure of its kind to join two Maldivian islands across the ocean. Chinese firms carried out the work, which took around three years to finish.
The structure takes its name from the islands it links: Malé and Hulhumalé, creating a word that has quickly entered everyday conversation. Locals now speak of driving over instead of taking a boat, and the walkway draws joggers and families during cooler hours of the day.
Walkers should bring a hat and water, as the crossing in the sun takes around 20 minutes on foot. Cyclists and pedestrians share the same lane, so stay alert as you move along.
Beneath the viaduct, stingrays and small reef sharks often swim past, drawn by the currents around the supports. The piers were positioned to touch the coral floor as little as possible.
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