Overview
Sugahara Shirokita Ohashi is an important transportation link across the Yodo River in northeastern Osaka. It was constructed as part of the Toyosato-Yata Urban Planning Road Development Project to help relieve chronic congestion on the nearby Toyosato Ohashi and Nagara Bridge.
The bridge crosses over Shirokita Park and connects with Shirokita-suji, although it does not directly connect to Shirokita Koen-dori.
Before toll collection ended, the bridge was popularly known as the “100-yen Bridge” because the toll for ordinary passenger cars was 100 yen.
Pedestrian and bicycle routes on the two sides of the river were originally not connected to the bridge. In 2013, however, connection ramps were installed as an alternative following the closure of the Akagawa Temporary Bridge, improving access for pedestrians and cyclists.
Structure and Distinctive Features
A Delicate and Elegant Design
The design of Sugahara Shirokita Ohashi differs from that of the nearby Toyosato Ohashi, which also crosses the Yodo River. With numerous cables distributing the load, Sugahara Shirokita Ohashi has a more delicate and graceful appearance and is sometimes described as having a “feminine” design.
By contrast, Toyosato Ohashi is characterized by a more powerful and robust appearance.
Design Measures Against Strong Winds
Wind resistance is an important consideration in the design of cable-stayed bridges. At Sugahara Shirokita Ohashi, the towers have a narrow gap between their two columns, allowing wind forces to pass through rather than placing excessive pressure on the structure.
This design helps the bridge maintain a high level of safety even under severe natural conditions such as typhoons.
Consideration for the Natural Environment
The area around the Yodo River includes reed beds and “Wando” backwaters that provide habitat for Itasenpara bitterling, a nationally designated Natural Monument of Japan.
During construction of the bridge, various measures were taken to minimize its impact on these valuable natural environments. Because the bridge also passes through Shirokita Park, its design was required to blend into the surrounding landscape, resulting in a structure that harmonizes with both the park and the river environment.
Key Specifications
Structure: Three-span continuous cable-stayed bridge over the river; five-span continuous reinforced-concrete deck arch bridge within Shirokita Park; prestressed-concrete bridges at both ends
Total length: 1,355.757 meters
Span length: 82 meters
Width: 25.5 meters
Construction started: 1984
Completed: June 1989
Opened free of charge: June 10, 2014
Total construction cost: ¥23.4 billion
Transportation Access
The bridge can be accessed using the following Osaka City Bus stops:
Shirokita Koen-mae Bus Stop
Sugahara 2-chome Bus Stop
Former Toll Rates
Before the bridge was made free to use, the following tolls applied:
Ordinary passenger cars: ¥100
Large vehicles (Type 1): ¥150
Large vehicles (Type 2): ¥360
Motorized bicycles: ¥10
Pedestrians and bicycles: Free
The toll plaza was located on the Higashiyodogawa Ward side of the bridge.
Nearby Attractions
Shirokita Park lies on the eastern side of the bridge and is particularly popular in spring, when its cherry trees come into bloom. The park also has a rose garden, providing a relaxing space for local residents and visitors.
Walking across Sugahara Shirokita Ohashi offers expansive views of the Yodo River. The surrounding scenery changes with the seasons, making the bridge an enjoyable place to experience the riverside landscape while exploring the area.
A Scenic Bridge Connecting Osaka’s Northern Neighborhoods
Sugahara Shirokita Ohashi Bridge combines practical transportation infrastructure with distinctive architecture and consideration for the surrounding natural environment. Since becoming toll-free in 2014, it has become even more accessible for local residents and visitors.
Take a walk across the bridge to enjoy views of the Yodo River, or combine your visit with a stroll through Shirokita Park. The bridge provides a different perspective on Osaka, where urban infrastructure, riverside scenery, and local green spaces come together.