What is the biggest bridge in the world? The Pearl Bridge, also called “The Akashi-Kaiky Bridge” is the longest suspension bridge in the world. It is 1991 meters long. The bridge is located in Japan. It was built in 1998. The Pearl Bridge connects the Kobe City to Awaji Island. In fact, this bridge is a part of the highway Honshu-Shikoku.
The Longest Bridge in the World – History
Before the bridge was made, the passengers used ferries to cross the Asahi Strait. This waterway was dangerous, especially during storms. The storms in this area can be very aggressive. In 1955, a couple of ferries sank because of storms. 168 people got killed in these accidents. Japanese government had to do something to solve this problem and prevent future accidents. However, the construction works began in 1986, and the Pearl Bridge was finally opened in 1998. This was the best way to make the traffic safer and faster. This strait is one of the international waterways, and it has to be safe.
The Pearl Bridge has 3 spans. The bridge is designed to stand very strong wind, earthquakes and sea currents. It has two supporting towers that are nearly 299 meters above the sea. More than 350 000 tons of concrete were needed for each anchorage. 300 000 kilometers of steel cables were used.
The Pearl Bridge has 1737 lights. 115 lights are used for main towers, 1084 are used for cables, 132 lights are used for anchorages and 405 illuminations lights are used for girders. The bridge looks beautiful, especially when the lights are on. Various combinations are used for illumination. During the national holidays, different light patterns are used.
The bridge construction was very expensive. The entire cost will be repaid simply by charging a toll. Many people use the bridge, so eventually, this cost will repaid.
Here are several long bridges, some of which are in the United States.
Seven Mile Bridge is located in Florida. It connects Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. This bridge is one of the major bridges in the United States.
San Mateo-Hayward is located in California. This bridge is also known as San Mateo. It connects the East Bay to San Francisco Peninsula.
Rio Niteroi Bridge is located in Brazil. The construction work started in 1968, and the bridge was finally finished in 1974.
Penang Bridge is located in Malaysia. It is nearly fourteen kilometers long.
You forgot the longest bridge in the world crossing ice-covered water, …..in the Northumberland Strait in Atlantic Canada. The confederation bridge is 12.9km/8 miles long. A multi-span beam bridge with a post-tensioned concrete box girder structure, in fact some of the spans were so large they needed the The Dutch-owned Svanen, which is the largest ocean-going crane in the world