Hardanger Bridge, Suspension bridge in Hardangerfjord, Norway.
Hardanger Bridge is a suspension bridge crossing the Hardangerfjord in Norway, with a span of 1380 meters (4528 feet) and twin concrete towers standing 200 meters (656 feet) tall. It carries a two-lane roadway over the water and connects tunnel sections on either side of the fjord crossing.
Planning for a fixed link across the fjord began in the late 1990s after the need for an alternative to the ferry became clear. Construction was approved in 2006 and the link opened to traffic in August 2013.
The structure shortened driving routes along the fjord by roughly an hour and replaced an earlier ferry crossing between communities. Local residents use it daily for commuting and errands, while travelers find it offers a direct route through fjord country.
The crossing remains open year-round and in all weather, though wind in the fjord region can sometimes be strong. Roundabouts on either side allow exits to local roads and nearby settlements.
The steel cables supporting the deck are made of thin wires that together total tens of thousands of kilometers in length. A clearance of 55 meters (180 feet) above the water surface allows even tall ships to pass beneath the roadway.
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