Nishiseto Expressway

The Nishiseto Expressway (西瀬戸自動車道, Nishiseto Jidōsha-dō), often called the Shimanami Kaidō (しまなみ海道) is an expressway in Japan that connects Onomichi, Hiroshima and Imabari, Ehime, going through nine of the Geiyo Islands, including Ōshima, Umashima, and Innoshima. The road and multiple bridge crossing across the Seto Inland Sea is one of the three main transportation links of the Honshū–Shikoku Bridge Project constructed between the islands of Honshu and Shikoku.

Nishiseto Expressway
西瀬戸自動車道 (しまなみ海道)
Route information
Length59.4 km (36.9 mi)
Existed1979-2006–present
Component
highways		 National Route 317
Major junctions
FromNishiseto Onomichi Interchange in Onomichi, Hiroshima
National Route 2
ToImabari Interchange in Imabari, Ehime
National Route 196
Highway system
National highways of Japan
Expressways of Japan

The expressway contains fifty-five bridges, including the Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge, the world's longest series of suspension bridges, and the Tatara Bridge, the world's fourth longest cable-stayed bridge. The route is famed for its scenic views and can be crossed by bicycles, mopeds and pedestrians as well as cars. It was opened on May 1, 1999, and is 59.4 kilometres (36.9 miles) long, sporting four lanes with a separated path for pedestrians and cyclists.[1]

Cycle Tourism

The road and bridge route was designed with an integrated cycle lane linking Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture with Imabari in Ehime Prefecture. The cycle route is approximately 70 kilometres (43 miles) in length including bridge access ramps and since opening has become one of Japan's most popular long-distance cycle routes.

As accessing the Shin-Onomichi bridge involves a steep climb, cyclists are encouraged to use a short ferry between Onomichi and Mukaishima, but all other bridges on the route feature a designated cycle path. Bicycle rental and drop off locations are available along the route.[2]

The route is a toll road, but tolls were waived for cyclists until March 31, 2022, in an effort to promote tourism.[3]

  • Cycle access ramp to the Kurushima-kaikyo Ohashi Bridge
  • Shimanami Kaido cycle access ramp at Imabari
  • Designated cycle lane on the Tatara Bridge
  • Onomichi ferry. Northern starting point of Shimanami Kaido cycle route.

See also

References
  1. "E76 SHIMANAMI EXPWY(Nishi-Seto Expressway)". Honshu-Shikoku Bridge Expressway Company. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
  2. "Shimanami Kaido Tourist Information". Shimap. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
  3. "Onomichi Travel: Shimanami Kaido". www.japan-guide.com. Retrieved 4 May 2017.


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