RAIPPALUODON SILTA

• Latitude: 63.2078
• Longitude: 21.4639
• Baltic Sea
• Marina in Finland

Location: Finland

The Raippaluodon Silta, also known as the Replot Bridge (Raippaluodon silta in Finnish), is the longest bridge in Finland. It connects the islands of Replot (Raippaluoto) and Björköby in the Kvarken Archipelago to the mainland, near the city of Vaasa on the west coast of the country.

Description:

• Location: The bridge spans the waters of the Kvarken Archipelago, which is part of the Gulf of Bothnia, the northernmost arm of the Baltic Sea, located between Finland and Sweden.
• Length: The total length of the bridge is approximately 1,045 meters (3,428 feet).
• Type: It is a cable-stayed bridge, which features a main span supported by cables attached to towers.
• Opening Date: The bridge was officially opened to traffic on August 27, 1997.
• Significance: It is not only the longest bridge in Finland but also an essential connection for the residents of the archipelago to the Finnish mainland, enhancing transport and economic activities in the region.

Specifications:

• Main Span Length: The length of the main span is about 250 meters (820 feet).
• Number of Spans: The bridge contains multiple spans, with the main span being the most significant in terms of length.
• Materials: The bridge is constructed primarily of concrete and steel, typical of major modern bridge constructions to ensure durability and strength.
• Width: The deck of the bridge accommodates both vehicular traffic and pedestrian paths. The exact width may vary, but it is designed to facilitate efficient and safe passage.
• Height: The height of the pylons (the towers that hold the cables) reaches around 82 meters (269 feet) above the sea level.
• Traffic: The bridge supports vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic, making it a multimodal transport route.
• Structural Design: As a cable-stayed bridge, its design includes a deck that is supported by cables running directly to towers (pylons), which helps in distributing the weight and providing stability.

Additional Features:

• Aesthetics: The Raippaluodon Silta is noted for its sleek, modern design and is a landmark in the region, contributing to both the landscape and the cultural identity of the nearby areas.
• Environmental Considerations: The construction and maintenance of the bridge are managed with regard to the surrounding fragile marine environment of the Kvarken Archipelago, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Tourism: The bridge itself is a tourist attraction, offering scenic views of the archipelago and attracting visitors to the natural beauty of the region. Viewing platforms or nearby areas may provide spots for photography and sightseeing.

Overall, the Raippaluodon Silta stands as a significant engineering and infrastructural achievement for Finland, enhancing connectivity for both residents and visitors while fitting harmoniously into the unique natural environment of the Kvarken Archipelago.