1.
pedestrian overpass, footbridge
An elevated walkway that allows pedestrians to safely cross over busy roads, intersections, or railway tracks.
歩道橋を渡って駅に行く。
I cross the pedestrian overpass to get to the station.
この交差点には歩道橋があるので安全だ。
This intersection has a pedestrian overpass, so it's safe.
歩道橋の階段がきつい。
The stairs of the pedestrian overpass are steep.
古い歩道橋が撤去される予定だ。
The old pedestrian overpass is scheduled to be removed.
お年寄りにとって歩道橋の階段は大変なので、エレベーター付きの歩道橋が増えている。
Since the stairs of pedestrian overpasses are difficult for elderly people, overpasses with elevators are increasing.
COMPOSITION: 歩道 (sidewalk, walking path) + 橋 (bridge)
CONTEXT: Many pedestrian overpasses in Japan were built during the high-growth era (1960s-70s) to separate pedestrians from vehicle traffic. Some are now being removed as traffic patterns change and barrier-free accessibility becomes prioritized.
FEATURES:
- 階段 - stairs
- {スロープ} - ramp
- {エレベーター} - elevator (in accessible designs)
CONTRAST:
- 地下道 - underground passage (alternative pedestrian crossing)
- 横断歩道 - crosswalk (ground-level crossing)
BARRIER-FREE CONCERNS: Traditional 歩道橋 with only stairs are difficult for elderly, disabled, and stroller users, leading to discussions about adding elevators or replacing them with ground-level crosswalks.