Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
The Japanese Bridge, completed in 1998, currently holds the record of the longest central span of any suspension bridge in the world (and yes, this record holds the record of the longest record name).
Before the construction of the bridge, which spans the Akashi Strait and connects the city of Kobe and Awaji Island, ferries carried passengers across the strait. This was an extremely dangerous way to commute across the river since the waters are exposed to severe storms.