Tokachi Ohashi Bridge, Cable-stayed bridge in Otofuke and Obihiro, Japan.
Tokachi Ohashi Bridge is a cable-stayed concrete structure that spans 501 meters across the Tokachi River with two distinctive pylon towers. The design uses four prestressed box girders arranged to distribute weight and provide stability across the wide waterway.
The bridge was completed in 1996 as a major advance in Hokkaido bridge engineering, introducing techniques to handle earthquakes and harsh seasonal temperature swings. It solved longstanding transportation challenges between the two communities it now connects.
The bridge illumination system transforms the concrete structure into a nighttime landmark that local residents photograph throughout different seasons of the year.
The bridge carries National Route 241 and connects Otofuke Town with Obihiro City as a key transportation link for the region. Visitors can drive across or photograph it from nearby viewpoints.
The bridge features specialized box girders designed to shed snow and ice during winter months, a crucial detail for surviving Hokkaido's harsh conditions. This thoughtful design shows how local climate challenges shaped the construction approach.
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