Nagano, Oct 31 (News On Japan) –
The query of whether or not to protect or dismantle a virtually 100-year-old aqueduct bridge that stands as a city image is dividing opinions among the many city and its residents.
The bridge on the middle of this debate spans 145 meters in Minowa, a city in central Nagano Prefecture. Built in 1928, the bridge was chosen as a contemporary civil engineering heritage web site by the Japan Society of Civil Engineers.
For years, the bridge has served as an important highway for native residents. However, as a consequence of growing old and structural put on, it was closed to all autos besides pedestrians and bicycles from October.
Upon nearer inspection, seen harm is obvious on varied components of the bridge, together with peeling exterior partitions and uncovered structural frameworks on its underside. Some of the bridge’s pillars have deteriorated, with concrete crumbling and falling off.
In mild of this deterioration, Mayor Masanori Shiratori acknowledged within the September city council assembly that “the bridge has served its purpose.”
Minowa Town Mayor Masanori Shiratori: “The structure itself is significantly degraded, and rebuilding the bridge would be financially unfeasible. From a cost-benefit perspective, its role as a roadway bridge has been fulfilled.”
When requested about preserving the bridge, the mayor responded, “I can’t say it’s entirely out of the question, but I don’t believe it holds sufficient value to justify preservation.”
The estimated price to strengthen the bridge is at the least 400 million yen, and extra bills could be required to fulfill seismic requirements, in keeping with the city. Given the existence of a bypass route, the city is leaning towards demolition, arguing that preservation isn’t worthwhile.
For long-time residents who’ve relied on the bridge, the choice is emotionally charged.
Nearby residents commented, “If it’s gone, it’ll be tough to get to the fields, but I understand the town’s position. The bridge is in bad shape, and restoration would cost a lot,” whereas others added, “I want it preserved, but given its condition, it would require too much funding,” and “It’s historical and full of memories; I’d like to see it stay.”
Advocating for preservation, a neighborhood committee that has labored with the city emphasizes the bridge’s significance.
Suirokyo Committee Chairman Bunsei Seki and Mitsuhiko Nakajima mentioned, “We see it as a symbol of the Yaotome area,” noting that aqueduct bridges are uncommon. “We hope to maintain it as part of the local scenery and honor the memories of those who have seen it since childhood.”
The aqueduct bridge has been cherished as a landmark for nearly a century, and a few residents really feel it ought to be preserved as a novel facet of the city’s panorama.
Despite their variations, Mayor Shiratori doesn’t want for battle.
Minowa Town Mayor Masanori Shiratori: “I am not pursuing this project with an intent to impose or create opposition. It’s an unavoidable decision we need to make.”
Local committee member Mitsuhiko Nakajima echoed this sentiment: “If it’s truly unsafe, then it should be removed. We are weighing preservation against safety.”
As the city and residents proceed to weigh historical past and sentiment in opposition to practicality, a last resolution on the bridge’s future stays undecided.
Source: FNN