Ikitsuki Bridge

The Ikitsuki Bridge is a continuous truss bridge that connects Ikitsuki to Hirado Island. Completed in 1991, it has a main span of 400 m. It is the longest continuous truss bridge in the world.

History
The bridge allows automobile access from Ikitsuki to Hirado and the rest of Japan. Previously, the only option to travel off Ikitsuki was by ferry to various ports in Kyūshū.

In 2009, a crack which seriously damaged the safety of the bridge was found in a diagonal member near an 27 intermediate pier during an inspection for determining points to be annually inspected. The crack grew to be 20 cm long, and was thought to be caused by wind-induced vibrations.