Japan's 'Rollercoaster Bridge' Sparks Fear with Its Daunting Steep Incline
One of the steepest bridges globally is so intimidating that motorists report it gives them recurring nightmares. Known as the 'rollercoaster bridge', the Eshima Ohashi in Japan connects Matsue in Shimane Prefecture with Sakaiminato in Tottori Prefecture. This £119 million structure is traversed by thousands of drivers daily, rising sharply to accommodate maritime traffic passing beneath.
Engineering Marvel with a Terrifying Reputation
As the third largest rigid-frame bridge in the world, the Eshima Ohashi spans approximately 1.1 miles across Nakaumi Lake, reaching a height of 147 feet. From specific vantage points, it appears almost vertical, fueling viral videos that depict vehicles ascending an impossibly steep slope. Construction occurred between 1997 and 2004, replacing an older drawbridge plagued by significant design flaws.
The previous bridge could only manage about 4,000 vehicles per day, whereas the current crossing handles roughly 14,900 every 24 hours. Additionally, the old structure was obstructed for around eight minutes whenever ships needed passage and restricted vehicles weighing over 14 tons.
Social Media Frenzy and Driver Anxieties
Images and footage of the bridge frequently circulate on social media platforms, igniting debates about its frightening aesthetics. On Reddit, one user commented, 'One of my lifelong recurring nightmares involves bridges that look like this.' Another expressed, 'Oh. My. God. I get terrified shivers just looking at these pictures. Massive phobia of heights, I don't think I'd do well on that bad boy.'
Photographs are often taken using telephoto lenses, which exaggerate the bridge's steepness, making it seem more dramatic than reality. Nonetheless, the incline is substantial, measuring approximately 6.1% on the Shimane side—where most iconic photos are captured—and a gentler 5.1% on the opposite end.
Tourist Attraction and Safety Considerations
The Japan National Tourist Organisation labels it as one of the country's 'craziest' or 'scariest' bridges. Despite its daunting reputation, visitors can cross on foot or by bicycle, and it serves as a prime spot for photography. Telescopes and binoculars are provided for tourists to enjoy panoramic views across the lake on clear days.
Extra caution is advised during winter months to prevent the bridge from becoming coated in ice and snow, ensuring safety for all users. This blend of engineering prowess and visual spectacle continues to captivate and unsettle audiences worldwide.
