Design Review of Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway

Abstract

<p>The Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway was completed in 1997 based on the concepts of "harmony", "symbol" and "quality". Tt is a marine road traversing Tokyo Bay, comprising a series of continuous bridges of 4.4 km in length, two tunnels of 10 km in length and two man-made islands. Each structure has been aesthetically designed in contrast to the sea.</p><p>The bridges consist of five continuous ivory white girders and oyster grey piers combining to form smooth lines. The Y-type steel piers at the local channels are protected with multiple coats of paint for parts in air, cathodic protection for parts under water and titanium clad plates for splash zone.</p><p>Of the three ventilation towers the middle one has two plump towers is designed in a golden section, painted with alternative marine blue colour. The island with the end tower ties two tunnels and a bridge and is designed to look like a luxury liner. Another tower is covered with a pyramid of pipes.</p>