The Rainbow Bridge, Japan

The Rainbow Bridge has become a new landmark in the Port of Tokyo. The bridge provides direct access between central Tokyo and a waterfront development now under construction. It also connects two expressways on both sides of the Port, creating the first express route across the city and is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in the centre of Tokyo. The bridge is a 3-span, 2-hinge stiffening truss suspension type with a centre span of 570 m and a total length of 798 m. It has a double deck construction: the upper deck carries two two-lane expressways, while the lower carries two two-lane roads serving the Port, as well as a railway and footpaths. The diameter of the main cable is 762 mm. The bridge is founded on mudstone (consolidated silt or soft rock) far below the surface.