The Tokyo Gate Bridge has opened to traffic on Sunday 12th February. It has four lanes for traffic, and a walkway for brave pedestrians wanting to cross the 2,618 metre span of the bridge.

There are photos here, showing the walkway and the views – including, notably, the new Tokyo Sky Tree which is due to open in May.

The reason for the slightly strange shape of the bridge is because it has to be high to allow the major shipping lane below to continue operation, but also low because it’s on the approach path of Tokyo’s Haneda airport.

There may be some drop in Japanese morale at the moment, given the economy and knock-on effects from the tsunami last year, but projects like the Tokyo Gate Bridge and Tokyo Sky Tree show that Japan is still a nation of innovation and excellence.6

If you want to cross the bridge by car, please note… it’s toll-free!