Nagara Bridge, Steel bridge across Nagara River in Gifu, Japan.
Nagara Bridge is a steel structure spanning about 272 meters across the Nagara River, featuring steel plate girders with separate lanes for vehicles and pedestrians. The construction connects both shores and allows safe passage with dedicated spaces for different types of traffic.
The first wooden pontoon bridge at this site opened in 1874 as Meijun Bridge, initially connecting only partially to the northern shore by boat transfers. Over time, this early crossing was replaced with a stronger steel structure to better serve growing transportation needs.
The bridge serves as a viewpoint for traditional cormorant fishing, where fishermen use trained birds to catch fish in the waters below. This ancient practice remains an integral part of how the place is experienced and used by both locals and visitors.
The structure includes flood prevention gates on both shores to protect nearby areas during periods of increased river flow. The bridge is accessible to both vehicles and pedestrians, with clear pathways for each, making it suitable for various travel needs.
Materials from earlier bridge constructions found new purpose in the pagoda of Gifu Park, preserving a physical link to its earlier forms. This thoughtful reuse of historical materials shows how the city honors its technical past.
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