Ondo Bridge, Red arch bridge in Kure, Japan.
Ondo Bridge is a red steel arch span that crosses the Ondo Strait to link Kure City with Kurahashi Island, featuring a distinctive curved design. The main arch measures 116 meters, with approach roads extending on either side to complete the full crossing.
Built in 1961, this bridge replaced a busy ferry system that had transported passengers across the strait daily, transforming how people and goods moved in the region. The shift from water to road crossing marked a major change in local transportation infrastructure.
The bridge takes its name from the strait where local legends speak of a medieval leader who once called upon the setting sun to aid construction efforts in this region.
The bridge offers good views from the top of the arch, especially when weather permits clear sightlines across the strait. The red color makes it easy to spot and helps with navigation whether you are walking or driving.
Today three bridges cross the strait side by side: the original red structure, another completed in 2013, and a separate path for pedestrians. Together they form a modern system that serves different types of traffic alongside each other.
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