加賀須野橋, Movable bridge in Tokushima, Japan
Kagasuno Bridge is a vertical lift bridge crossing the Imakiri River in Tokushima Prefecture, linking the Kawauchi district to the town of Matsushige. Its central span can be raised to let vessels pass below while road traffic continues on the fixed sections on either side.
A first bridge at this crossing was built during the Meiji era and was rebuilt several times over the following decades, with the current structure dating from 2014. Each rebuilding reflected changes in traffic demand and the engineering knowledge of its time.
The bridge is painted in a deep indigo blue that recalls the traditional Awa indigo dye long produced in the region. Anyone crossing it immediately notices this color, which sets it apart from ordinary steel bridges in the area.
The bridge can be seen from the riverbanks on both sides, and the lifting mechanism is visible from the access paths near each end. If you want to watch the span rise, it is worth checking local schedules in advance, as lifts happen at set times.
When a vessel needs to pass, the central span rises about 16 meters above the water, a sight that is easy to watch from the nearby banks. This is the only movable bridge in Tokushima Prefecture and uses the largest lifting mechanism of its kind in Japan.
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