常總大橋, Cable-stayed bridge across Tone River in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
Joso Bridge is a cable-stayed structure spanning the Tone River with a length of about 518 meters and a 11-meter-wide roadway. The steel girder design supports traffic flowing between the two riverbanks.
The bridge opened in 1979, replacing a floating system of steel boats connected by wooden planks that served as the previous crossing. That earlier structure was unreliable during flood periods and inadequate for regular traffic needs.
The bridge connects regions that were once separated by provincial boundaries, and this geography shaped how people think about crossing the river. For residents on both sides, it represents a link between distinct territories.
The bridge provides reliable river crossing in all weather conditions and is well integrated into the local road network. Visitors can view the structure from several vantage points and enjoy the view of the river landscape.
The engineering and construction were carried out by Nippon Kokan, a major Japanese steel company that designed and implemented the steel structure. This project showcased Japanese engineering expertise in building critical infrastructure across challenging river conditions.
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