Haneda Movable Bridge
Before Haneda airport expansion work was done in the middle of 1990's, Shutoko (Tokyo metropolitan expressway) Haneda line was the only expressway to the airport. The road is also an important route to Yokohama. The traffic was so heavy that they wanted to expand the road which runs in an underwater tunnel in this area. However, the space around it is already used by Tokyo monorail and a JR freight line.
They had to build a bridge, but there was a problem. Relatively large ships went through this place. It meant the bridge had to be a movable bridge. However, it made another problem. No high structure is allowed around the airport.
The answer was this bridge: Haneda Movable Bridge. Unlike common movable bridges which move vertically, this bridge has two segments which rotate in horizontal plane to open way for ships. According to Wikipedia, this type of movable bridge is called "swing bridge".
It was only a temporary solution. The bridge was constructed in 1990. After Wangan line was built in 1994, the traffic of Haneda line decreased and the bridge has not been used since 1998.
It is sad to see the result of engineers' effort is wasted. It happens sometimes.
Haneda Movable Bridge
Before Haneda airport expansion work was done in the middle of 1990's, Shutoko (Tokyo metropolitan expressway) Haneda line was the only expressway to the airport. The road is also an important route to Yokohama. The traffic was so heavy that they wanted to expand the road which runs in an underwater tunnel in this area. However, the space around it is already used by Tokyo monorail and a JR freight line.
They had to build a bridge, but there was a problem. Relatively large ships went through this place. It meant the bridge had to be a movable bridge. However, it made another problem. No high structure is allowed around the airport.
The answer was this bridge: Haneda Movable Bridge. Unlike common movable bridges which move vertically, this bridge has two segments which rotate in horizontal plane to open way for ships. According to Wikipedia, this type of movable bridge is called "swing bridge".
It was only a temporary solution. The bridge was constructed in 1990. After Wangan line was built in 1994, the traffic of Haneda line decreased and the bridge has not been used since 1998.
It is sad to see the result of engineers' effort is wasted. It happens sometimes.