The Akashi Kaikyo bridge
WORLD'S RECORD
The Akashi Kaikyo suspension bridge crosses the four kilometer wide Akashi Straits to link the Japanese islands of Honshu and Awaji in the Seto Inland Sea. The total length of the three span structure is 3,910 meters. The use of modern steels makes possible the world's longest central span of 1990 meters.
SEVERE SECURITY CONDITIONS
The maximum water depth along the path of the bridge is 110 meters; the maximum tidal current about 4.5 meters per second. Fishing grounds and a 1.5 kilometer fairway are located in the straits. About 1,400 ships pass through straits each day. The region is subject to typhoons and earthquakes.
