Ote Bridge, River crossing in Nagaoka, Japan
The Ote Bridge spans across the Shinano River, connecting different parts of Nagaoka City with a four-lane roadway. The structure provides a solid and wide crossing that handles daily vehicle traffic and serves as a pedestrian route during festival times.
The crossing was originally built with two lanes and underwent major expansion in 2010 to become a four-lane structure. This enlargement was needed to handle the growing traffic demands of the developing city.
The bridge becomes a pedestrian gathering place during the Nagaoka Fireworks festival, where people watch the displays from above. Families and friends gather here to experience the celebration together, making it an important part of the local festival tradition.
The bridge is part of Route 351 and connects Okamuramachi on one side to Kusatsuzu-cho on the other side of the river. Keep in mind that during the fireworks festival, pedestrian traffic is expected and the normal flow of use changes significantly.
Fireworks are launched directly from beneath the bridge, giving spectators above a distinctive viewing angle. This unusual setup creates a memorable perspective since the explosions literally happen at eye level for those standing on the structure.
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