In the course of our daily reporting, we often uncover unusual projects, places, or connections that don't make the final cut. Instead of keeping it to ourselves, we're pleased to share our weekly Architrivia.

The waterways of Metro Vancouver create an environment where long bridges — for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles alike — are abundant. Unbeknownst to some, the region's infrastructure also holds an impressive, but somewhat obscure, world record. Built between 1987 and 1989, the Skybridge, which spans the Fraser River, is the longest cable-supported transit-only bridge in the world.

The Skybridge, image by Flickr user C Hanchey via Creative Commons

Part of a $179 million, 3.1-kilometre SkyTrain extension, the $28 million bridge officially began construction on October 28, 1987. The bridge was built by Kerkhoff Bridge and Industrial Division Ltd. of Chilliwack and Hyundai Engineering and Construction Division Co. Ltd. of South Korea. The half of the bridge heading towards Surrey was completed first, and March 19, 1990, marked the completion of the New Westminster half, signifying service between Columbia and Scott Road stations on the Expo line.

The Skybridge neighbours the Pattullo Bridge, image by Flickr user jan zeschky via Creative Commons

The bridge is equipped with two tracks to provide two-way service between the communities, with an additional track in the middle reserved for maintenance crews. Two towers of 123 metres in height support the transitway, which is positioned 45 metres above the Fraser River. Its main span measures 340 metres in length, while the total length is 616 metres, securing the world record since the bridge was first christened.