Nagara Bridge, Osaka

The name Nagara Bridge has been widely known since long ago, but where the bridge stood is not certain. The name came back in Meiji 42 (1909), with an iron pony truss bridge built when the Shin-Yodogawa was dug. Its trusses were reused from the Tokaido Main Line, which opened in Meiji 7 (1874). The bridge that replaced it in Showa 11 (1936) had its girders damaged by bombing at the end of the Second World War, and many of the people sheltering beneath it were killed. The present Nagara Bridge was completed in Showa 58 (1983), and for the central part an arched form of girder called a Nielsen Lohse was adopted. A modern arch reflects a thousand years of passing time. It is lit up at night, which matches the broad scenery of the Yodogawa.

Translated from the Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City tourist listings (観光施設一覧, CC BY 4.0).