Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

The world's longest suspension bridge, spanning Japan's Inland Sea/Bridges & Tunnels

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge connects Kobe and Awaji Island across the treacherous Akashi Strait in Japan. Completed in 1998, it holds the record for the longest central span of any suspension bridge at 1,991 meters. It was designed to withstand earthquakes up to magnitude 8.5, typhoon winds of 290 km/h, and harsh tidal currents. During construction, the 1995 Kobe earthquake actually stretched the bridge by about 1 meter, and the engineers just shrugged and adjusted the plans.