Sango Bridge, Steel bridge in Kitakami City, Japan
Sango Bridge is a steel bridge crossing the Kitakami River in Kitakami, built with a lower chord cantilever truss design that spans approximately 255 meters. The structure has a width of about 5.5 meters and allows both pedestrians and vehicles to cross the river.
The original structure opened in 1908 as a wooden toll bridge built by Tokijiro Takachita and was replaced with the current steel version in 1933. A steel pedestrian cable bridge was added in 1971 to provide additional crossing options for residents.
The bridge takes its name from Sango-dake mountain on the northern ridge of Kunimi Mountain and has long connected people across the Kitakami River.
The best way to reach the bridge is to take the train to Kitakami Station and then board the Onimaru bus heading toward the Sango Bridge stop. Once there, a short walk brings you to the crossing.
Few visitors realize that the main bridge built in 1933 with its riveted steel construction represents an early example of Japanese steel engineering techniques. This construction method was innovative for its time and made longer spans possible.
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