 | |
|---|---|
 西瀬戸自動車道 (しまなみ海道) | |
 | |
| 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 | |
TheNishiseto Expressway (西瀬戸自動車道,Nishiseto Jidōsha-dō), often called theShimanami Kaidō (しまなみ海道), is an expressway inJapan that connectsOnomichi, Hiroshima andImabari, Ehime, going through nine of theGeiyo Islands, includingŌshima,Ōmishima, andInnoshima. The road and multiple bridges crossing across theSeto Inland Sea is one of the three main transportation links of theHonshū–Shikoku Bridge Project, constructed between the islands ofHonshu andShikoku.
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]
The road and bridge route was designed with an integrated cycle lane linkingOnomichi inHiroshima Prefecture withImabari inEhime 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]
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