Gaining popularity as a new Koto Ward attraction, the Tokyo Gate Bridge is quite a sight. The Tokyo Gate Bridge stands before us a modern marvel of engineering. This truss cantilever bridge spans Tokyo Bay. It links Koto City’s Chubo and Wakasu artificial islands.
Imagine ships passing beneath this bridge. It stands tall enough to let them through. It is also low enough to not disrupt Haneda Airport’s air traffic. That was a clever design solution.
The Tokyo Gate Bridge opened on February 12, 2012. Its construction was part of a larger highway project. The project aimed to create a four-lane highway around Tokyo. Construction began in 2002. It faced delays but finally opened to traffic in 2012. The estimated cost for this section of highway including the bridge was 113 billion yen.
Before its official name the bridge was known as the Tokyo Bay Waterfront Bridge. The public submitted names. From over 12000 suggestions, Tokyo Gate Bridge was chosen. The official announcement occurred on November 15 2010.
Did you know the Tokyo Gate Bridge has a nickname? Its resemblance to two monsters facing each other earned it the name Dinosaur Bridge. The design consists of double cantilever. This means the truss sections were built from each side. They met in the middle with a short central span.
You can take an elevator to the sidewalk. Then you can walk from Wakasu to Central Breakwater. However you can only access the sidewalk from Wakasu Gate. The Central Breakwater Gate is closed. You cannot take the elevator to the ground from there.
To see the Tokyo Gate Bridge visitors can go to Wakasu Seaside Park. They can also visit Central Breakwater. The Wakasu Seaside Park Bus stop provides access. It is served by the \u672831 bus line from Shin-Kiba Station. The Central Breakwater Bus stop is another option. The \u6ce201 bus from Tokyo Teleport Station stops here. Remember you cannot walk onto the bridge from the Central Breakwater gate.
The Tokyo Gate Bridge offers beautiful views. At night the bridge is lit with colors that represent Japan’s four seasons. Whether you call it Tokyo Gate Bridge or Dinosaur Bridge this structure is impressive. It eases traffic and boosts the economy.