Shōwa Bridge, Road bridge in Meiwa-Hanyu, Japan
Shōwa Bridge crosses the Tone River and links Meiwa in Gunma Prefecture with Hanyu in Saitama Prefecture. The structure uses a steel arch design and carries Japan National Route 122 along with several prefectural roads.
This bridge was built as part of Japan's infrastructure expansion to link neighboring regions. Its steel arch design reflects the engineering techniques developed during its construction period.
The bridge functions as a meeting point between two prefectures, enabling regular interactions between the communities of Meiwa and Hanyu.
The bridge is easily accessible and serves as a main traffic route for vehicles and pedestrians between the two prefectures. Visitors can cross it during daylight hours and view the river from various points along the structure.
The structure operates under shared administration between Gunma and Saitama prefectures despite being a single physical bridge. This division of responsibility across two jurisdictions makes it an interesting example of cross-prefectural cooperation.
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