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 heart of this debate spans 145 meters in Minowa, a city in central Nagano Prefecture. Inbuilt 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 street for native residents. Nonetheless, on account of growing older and structural put on, it was closed to all automobiles besides pedestrians and bicycles from October.
Upon nearer inspection, seen injury is clear on varied components of the bridge, together with peeling exterior partitions and uncovered structural frameworks on its underside. A number of the bridge’s pillars have deteriorated, with concrete crumbling and falling off.
In mild of this deterioration, Mayor Masanori Shiratori said within the September city council assembly that “the bridge has served its objective.”
Minowa City Mayor Masanori Shiratori: “The construction itself is considerably degraded, and rebuilding the bridge could be financially unfeasible. From a cost-benefit perspective, its position as a roadway bridge has been fulfilled.”
When requested about preserving the bridge, the mayor responded, “I can’t say it’s completely out of the query, however I do not consider it holds ample worth to justify preservation.”
The estimated price to strengthen the bridge is a minimum of 400 million yen, and extra bills could be required to satisfy seismic requirements, based on the city. Given the existence of a bypass route, the city is leaning towards demolition, arguing that preservation is just not worthwhile.
For long-time residents who’ve relied on the bridge, the choice is emotionally charged.
Close by residents commented, “If it is gone, it’s going to be powerful to get to the fields, however I perceive the city’s place. The bridge is in dangerous form, and restoration would price rather a lot,” whereas others added, “I would like it preserved, however given its situation, it might require an excessive amount of funding,” and “It’s historic and filled with reminiscences; I’d wish to see it keep.”
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 stated, “We see it as a logo of the Yaotome space,” noting that aqueduct bridges are uncommon. “We hope to keep up it as a part of the native surroundings and honor the reminiscences of those that 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 singular side of the city’s panorama.
Regardless of their variations, Mayor Shiratori doesn’t want for battle.
Minowa City Mayor Masanori Shiratori: “I’m not pursuing this challenge with an intent to impose or create opposition. It’s an unavoidable determination we have to make.”
Native committee member Mitsuhiko Nakajima echoed this sentiment: “If it’s really unsafe, then it ought to be eliminated. We’re weighing preservation towards security.”
Because the city and residents proceed to weigh historical past and sentiment towards practicality, a ultimate determination on the bridge’s future stays undecided.
Supply: FNN
