臼井橋, Steel arch bridge in Niigata, Japan.
The Usui Bridge spans across the Shinano River, connecting the Akiha and Minami districts of Niigata City. Its steel arch structure features three distinct sections, with the main span reaching approximately 70 meters over the water.
The first Usui Bridge was built from wood in 1927 and survived the 1964 earthquake when many nearby structures failed. The current steel bridge opened in 2015 to handle growing traffic between the Usui and Konariba districts.
The bridge links residents from different parts of the city and serves as a backdrop for local festivals and community gatherings. People from both riverbanks cross here regularly, making it part of their daily social connections.
The bridge features separated lanes for pedestrians and vehicles, making crossing safe and straightforward. The design offers clear views of the Shinano River if you pause to look while crossing.
The bridge was carefully designed to avoid disrupting the flow patterns of the Shinano River and protecting the natural setting. This design choice made construction more complex but preserves the river and its banks from erosion.
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