Here stands the Urayasu Bridge a testament to connection. This bridge links Tokyo’s Edogawa ward with Urayasu City in Chiba Prefecture. It carries Tokyo Prefectural Route 10 and Chiba Prefectural Route 10. These routes form part of the Tokyo Urayasu Line. The Urayasu Bridge is more than steel and concrete. It represents a vital link between communities.
The first Urayasu Bridge appeared in 1940. It opened on February 21 of that year. As time passed the bridge aged. Traffic volume increased. A new Urayasu Bridge was needed. The current bridge was built in 1978.
The Urayasu Bridge allows access to Myoken Island. This island sits in the middle of the former Edo River. You can reach the island from both the Tokyo and Chiba sides. If you travel straight from Tokyo across the Urayasu Bridge you will soon reach Urayasu Station. You will also find yourself near Shin-Urayasu Station and the Urayasu Bay area.
The nearest bus stop is named Urayasu Bridge. Tokyo Bay City Bus operates a stop on the east side toward Urayasu City. Toei Bus has a stop on the west side in Edogawa ward. Toei buses once crossed the Urayasu Bridge. They ventured into Urayasu Town now Urayasu City.
Before the Urayasu Bridge existed ferries were essential. “Horie River Ferry” and “Urayasu Ferry” were common. People relied on these ferries to cross between Urayasu and Kasai. Steamships once sailed between Tokyo and Urayasu.
Did you know that Urayasu longed for this bridge? Urayasu depended on Tokyo for trade especially seafood. Residents wanted a bridge between Urayasu and Kasai. This would allow constant travel. In 1932 local leaders started a campaign. They petitioned the governors of Chiba and Tokyo. Construction finally began in 1935.
Naming the bridge caused some debate. Chiba Prefecture paid a large share of construction costs. They felt entitled to the name. However Urayasu’s strong desire won. The bridge was named Urayasu Bridge. A grand opening ceremony occurred on February 21 1940.
The original Urayasu Bridge had a unique design. It featured a through-style curved Warren truss. The larger bridge spanned 101 meters. The smaller one measured 63 meters. Including the Myoken Island section the total length reached 211.5 meters. The width was 10 meters.
As traffic grew the original Urayasu Bridge became inadequate. Improvement work started in 1971. The outbound lane opened in November 1978. The inbound lane was completed in March 1985. Each lane now had two车道. Sidewalks were added to both sides of the Urayasu Bridge.
Today the Urayasu Bridge stands as a symbol of progress. It connects communities and facilitates travel. It reminds us of Urayasu’s history and its connection to Tokyo.