Beneath our feet lies a testament to Hiroshima’s resilience the Yoshijima Bridge. The Yoshijima Bridge is more than just a way to cross the water. It represents the city’s journey through war and recovery.
This bridge connects Naka Ward’s Yoshijima-nishi and Funairi-minami areas. It spans the former Ota River now called the Honkawa River. The Yoshijima Bridge stands as a vital part of Hiroshima’s infrastructure.
Opened in 1988 the Yoshijima Bridge is part of the city road Doeigata Line. The bridge’s construction was planned before the war. However the atomic bombing and subsequent challenges delayed its realization. Acquiring land in the Yoshijima district proved difficult.
The Yoshijima Bridge’s design features a four-span continuous steel box girder bridge. It stretches 179.3 meters in length. The bridge is 30 meters wide. This provides ample space for vehicles and pedestrians.
Before the Hiroshima South Road opened in 2014 the Yoshijima Bridge was the southernmost bridge on the Honkawa River. Today it is surrounded by other bridges. The Funairi Bridge is upstream. The Hiroshima High-Speed Route 3 is downstream.
To the east sits Hiroshima Municipal Yoshijima Elementary School. This area is primarily residential. To the south, you will find factories in Minami Yoshijima and Hikari-Minami.
Crossing the Yoshijima Bridge eastward leads through Yoshijima. It then crosses the Minami-Senmatsu Bridge. You will find Senmatsu Park and Shudo Junior and Senior High Schools.
To the west lies Funairi-Minami with the Hiroden Eba Line’s Funairi-Minami stop. Further west crossing the Showa Bridge brings you to Kanon district. The Kannon district connects to National Route 2 via the Doei Bridge.
I took photos near the Yoshijima Bridge in 2005. I then compiled them in 2007. I noticed new apartments had been built east of the Yoshijima Bridge. The Yoshijima Bridge and its surroundings have transformed over time. The bridge is not the Honkawa River’s southernmost bridge anymore.
Even with the changes the Yoshijima Bridge remains a crucial part of Hiroshima. It links communities and symbolizes the city’s enduring spirit. The Yoshijima Bridge stands strong. It connects the past with the present. It also paves the way for the future.