Date Bridge reconstruction completed in Fukushima

The reconstruction of Date Bridge on National Route 399 in Fukushima Prefecture has been completed following damage sustained during the March 2022 earthquake off the coast of Fukushima. A completion ceremony was held in Date City on September 27, attended by approximately 60 officials from national and prefectural governments.

The project, which took three years and nine months to complete, involved approximately 6 billion yen in costs. To enhance seismic resilience, the bridge's superstructure was lightweighted using a continuous steel box girder design, and the substructure was reinforced with three cylindrical cantilever piers. The new bridge spans 290 meters in length with a width of 8 meters.

Local officials emphasized the bridge's importance for regional connectivity. Date Mayor Hiroyuki Suda described the bridge as the ‘life’ of the city, noting its critical role in connecting the city center to National Route 4 and supporting daily commuting and local industry. The temporary bridge used during the construction period is scheduled to be removed within the current fiscal year.