Chusetsu Bridge, Steel arch bridge in Gifu, Japan
Chusetsu Bridge is a steel arch structure spanning the Nagara River in Gifu Prefecture with a distinctive balanced design. The bridge carries both vehicles and pedestrians across roughly 260 meters, with a deck width of approximately 18 meters.
The bridge was constructed in 1948 after World War II to replace several wooden crossings dating back to 1884. It represents a significant milestone in Japan's post-war bridge engineering development.
The bridge earned recognition as a Civil Engineering Heritage site in 2019, highlighting its structural importance in Japanese infrastructure development.
The bridge sits at the intersection of National Routes 157 and 303, providing straightforward access for vehicles and pedestrians crossing the Nagara River. It functions as an important local link in the road network, with good approach roads on both sides.
The structure employs a rare construction method combining braced ribs with a balanced arch system in a way that was uncommon at the time. This engineering approach sets it distinctly apart from other bridges built in Japan during the same period.
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