As the 3.5 km Irabu O-hashi Bridge nears completion, all girders were installed on September 9 to connect Miyako-jima Island and Irabu-jima Isaland in Okinawa, the southernmost part of Japan. The longest toll-free bridge when completed will be open to traffic in January 2014. The total cost is estimated at 39.5 billion yen.

Most part of the bridge consists of pre-stressed concrete box girders. Substructure works are being implemented by local contractors in Okinawa, while nationwide large companies are responsible for superstructure section that requires advanced engineering. (2014/09/12)