Nishiseto Expressway | |
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西瀬戸自動車道 (しまなみ海道) | |
Route information | |
Length: | 59.4 km (36.9 mi) |
Existed: | 1979-2006 – present |
Major junctions | |
From: | Nishiseto Onomichi Interchange in Onomichi, Hiroshima National Route 2 |
To: | Imabari Interchange in Imabari, Ehime National Route 196 |
Highway system | |
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 together, including Ōshima, Umashima, and Innoshima. It has a scenic sea view and can be easily crossed with bicycles and mopeds as well as cars.
The expressway contains ten bridges, including the Kurushima-Kaikyō Bridge, the world's longest series of suspension bridges, and the Tatara Bridge, the world's second longest cable-stayed bridge. It was opened on May 1, 1999, and is 59.4 kilometers long, sporting four lanes and separate paths for pedestrians and cyclists.