Rainbow Bridge (Tokyo)

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Please expand this article with text translated from the corresponding article in the Japanese Wikipedia. (November 2009) After translating, {{Translated|ja|レインボーブリッジ}} must be added to the talk page to ensure copyright compliance. Translation instructions · Translate via Google

Rainbow Bridge
Rainbow-colored Rainbow Bridge at night
Carries	Vehicle, Yurikamome, Pedestrian
Crosses	Tokyo Bay
Locale	Tokyo waterfront
Total length	798 m
Width	49 m
Height	126 m (towers), 52 m (roadway)
Longest span	570 m
Number of spans	3
Completion date	1993
Opened	1993 August 26th
Coordinates	35°38′11″N 139°45′49″E / 35.63639°N 139.76361°E / 35.63639; 139.76361Coordinates: 35°38′11″N 139°45′49″E / 35.63639°N 139.76361°E / 35.63639; 139.76361

Rainbow Bridge (レインボーブリッジ, Reinbō Burijji^?) is a suspension bridge crossing northern Tokyo Bay between Shibaura Wharf and the Odaiba waterfront development in Minato ward, in Tokyo, Japan. Construction started in 1987 and was completed in 1993, the bridge is 798 metres (2,618 ft) long with a main span of 580 metres (1,903 ft).^[1] Officially called the 'Shuto Expressway No. 11 Odaiba Route Tokyo port connector bridge', the name 'Rainbow Bridge' was decided by the public and is colloquially known as 'RB'.

The towers supporting the bridge are white in color, designed to harmonize with the skyline of central Tokyo seen from Odaiba. There are lamps placed on the wires supporting the bridge, which are illuminated into three different colors, red, white and green every night using solar energy obtained during the day.

The bridge can be accessed by foot from Tamachi Station (JR) or Shibaura-futō Station (Yurikamome) on the mainland side.

[edit] Usage

Rainbow bridge carries three transportation lines on two decks; the upper deck carries the Shuto Expressway No. 11 Odaiba Route, while the lower deck carries the Yurikamome rapid transit system in the center portion, walkways on the outside portion of the deck with Tokyo Pref. Route 482 in between. Tokyo Pref. Route 482 was formerly a tolled route, but opposition to the toll led to its removal. Bicycles and light motorcycles under 50cc are not permitted on the decks or the walkway of the bridge. Motorcycle pillion passengers are also banned.

[edit] Walkway

The bridge has two separate walkways on the north and south sides of the lower deck; the north side offers views of inner Tokyo Harbor and the Tokyo Tower, while the south side offers views of Tokyo Bay and occasionally Mount Fuji. The walkways may only be used during certain hours (9 am to 9 pm in the summer; 10 am to 6 pm in the winter).

[edit] See also

Tokyo portal

• List of bridges
• List of largest suspension bridges

[edit] References

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo

• Rainbow Bridge in the Structurae database