Nishiseto Expressway

Nishiseto Expressway
Nishiseto Expressway
Tây lại hộ tự động đường xe chạy (しまなみ hải nói )
Route information
Length	59.4 km (36.9 mi)
Existed	1979–present
Component; highways	National Route 317
Major junctions
From	Nishiseto Onomichi Interchange inOnomichi, Hiroshima; National Route 2
To	Imabari Interchange inImabari, Ehime; National Route 196
Location
Country	Japan
Highway system
	National highways of Japan; Expressways of Japan;

TheNishiseto Expressway(Tây lại hộ tự động đường xe chạy,Nishiseto Jidōsha-dō),often called theShimanami Kaidō(しまなみ hải nói),is an expressway inJapanthat connectsOnomichi, HiroshimaandImabari, Ehime,going through nine of theGeiyo Islands,includingŌshima,Ōmishima,andInnoshima.The road and multiple bridges crossing across theSeto Inland Seais one of the three main transportation links of theHonshū–Shikoku Bridge Project,constructed between the islands ofHonshuandShikoku.

The expressway contains fifty-five bridges, including theKurushima Kaikyō Bridge,the world's longest series ofsuspension bridges,and theTatara Bridge,the world's fourth longestcable-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 linkingOnomichiinHiroshima PrefecturewithImabariinEhime 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 popularlong-distance cycle routes.

As accessing the Shin-Onomichi bridge involves a steep climb, cyclists are encouraged to use a short ferry ride between Onomichi andMukaishima,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, though tolls had been waived for cyclists until March 31, 2022, in an effort to promote tourism. Although there are two other land connections between Shikoku and Honshu as well, Nishiseto Expressway is the only one that can be traversed on foot or by bicycle.^[3]