In just 7 years, Japan completed this incredibly famous giant bridge.
In 1997, Japan began constructing the Eshima Ohashi Bridge, spanning Lake Nakaumi and connecting the two cities of Matsue (Shimane Prefecture) and Sakaiminato (Tottori Prefecture).
The Eshima Ohashi was built over 7 years and was completed and opened to traffic in 2004. This bridge is often described as having a structure resembling a “roller coaster” due to its unique design.
The Eshima Ohashi is approximately 1.7 kilometers long, 11.3 meters wide, with a main span of 250 meters, and is divided into two lanes for vehicles. Notably, it features a steep incline that rises “to the sky,” reaching a maximum height of 44.7 meters above sea level.
The Eshima Ohashi is a bridge with an extremely steep gradient, creating a sense of adventure that only the bravest drivers dare to cross.
The Eshima Ohashi Bridge, located in Matsue City, Japan, became the focus of international media attention after a car advertisement by Daihatsu.
Many people believe that the construction of this bridge was undertaken by a group of amateur engineers who did not anticipate the difficulties faced by road users. However, the reality is quite the opposite. The reason for the extreme height and steepness of the Eshima Ohashi is that it needed to allow large ships over 500 tons to pass underneath.
Image showing the gradient of the bridge
Eshima Ohashi from the right side
The terrifying slope of Eshima Ohashi
Vehicles must maintain a safe distance when crossing the bridge
The gradient challenges drivers on Eshima Ohashi
Surface of Eshima Ohashi
Japanese sign at the foot of the bridge
Eshima Ohashi viewed from the side
According to Housing’s website, the development team decided to build the Eshima Ohashi to replace a smaller bridge. The old bridge frequently experienced traffic congestion. Therefore, to facilitate faster passage for vehicles across Lake Nakaumi and to create space for large ships below, Japan decided to construct the Eshima Ohashi. According to some sources, the construction cost of this giant bridge exceeded 200 million USD (over 4.8 trillion VND).
On average, more than 14,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily. Additionally, due to its unique steep design, vehicles on the bridge are only permitted to travel at a maximum speed of 40 km/h.
Aside from being an important infrastructure, the Eshima Ohashi also attracts a lot of public interest and has become a famous tourist destination in Japan. The roadway on the bridge offers stunning views of Lake Nakaumi. On clear days, visitors can even see the majestic Daisen Mountain from the highest point of the bridge.
