Deformed girders tell tales of survival at Ozakihashi Bridge. This bridge stands as a testament to Hiroshima’s resilience. The Ozakihashi Bridge has a story etched in its very structure.
Originally built in 1932, the Ozakihashi Bridge was designed for streetcars. In 1934, it was extended giving it a unique T-shape. This T-shape was a rare sight in Japan. South of the Ozakihashi Bridge stood two wooden bridges. These formed an H-shape with Ozakihashi. This created a special scene.
The atomic bomb’s target is believed to have been the Ozakihashi Bridge. The bomb detonated over Shima Hospital, missing the bridge by 300 meters. The explosion’s force still heavily impacted Ozakihashi Bridge. The blast deformed the girders. A handrail fell into the river. A sidewalk section was lifted.
Reconstruction started after the war. The Ozakihashi Bridge played a crucial role in the city’s traffic. The rebuilt Ozakihashi Bridge was completed in 1983. The new bridge harmonizes with Peace Memorial Park and the A-bomb Dome. Granite stones form the handrails and pillars. The rebuilt Ozakihashi Bridge measures 123.4 meters in length and 40 meters in width. It accommodates a streetcar track, six traffic lanes, and pedestrian lanes.
Today, you can find remnants of the original bridge. Old pillars with bomb marks are preserved. These stand at the foot of the Ozakihashi Bridge. Girders deformed by the blast are on display at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
The Ozakihashi Bridge stands near the hypocenter, about 300 meters away. It serves as a poignant reminder of the past. It also symbolizes Hiroshima’s journey toward peace.
The Aioi-bashi Bridge, as it was also known, spans the Honkawa and Motoyasu rivers. Its original length was approximately 400 feet.
The Enola Gay targeted the Aioi Bridge in 1945. The bomb deviated and missed the bridge by 800 feet. A survivor described the Aioi Bridge lifting several meters. It then settled back.
The Ozakihashi Bridge, a symbol of Hiroshima’s past, present, and future, invites reflection.