Across the Futago River stands Futago Bridge. It’s a simple steel truss bridge. This isn’t just any bridge though. It has a rich history. Futago Bridge carries National Route 246. This road connects Tokyo and Yamanashi Prefecture.
Long ago before the bridge there was a ferry. People called it the Futago Crossing. It served farmers. They transported their goods to Edo. This was during the Edo period. The ferry even carried animals and carts. The crossing thrived. It was a vital part of the community. Shops and inns grew up around it. The Futago-Funakoshi Inn flourished. It was a hub of activity.
The Great Kanto Earthquake changed everything. In 1923 a bridge became necessary. The need was urgent. Relief supplies had to be moved. The army needed the bridge. It was a vital link. Discussions began. The name was debated. Tokyo called it the Futago Bridge. Yamanashi Prefecture preferred Futago Bridge.
Futago Bridge was built in stages. The construction was completed in 1974. It’s 577.9 meters long and 33.3 meters wide. The Tama Electric Railway initially contributed funding. The bridge carried both road and rail traffic. This led to many accidents. In 1964 a truck crashed into a train. A separate rail bridge was constructed. The new railway bridge opened in 1966. It’s called the Futago Bridge Girder.
Today Futago Bridge remains a critical link. It’s a testament to engineering. The bridge endures. It links communities. It bears witness to history. The bridge stands proudly. It’s a symbol of resilience.