Tokushima: Construction of bicycle path on Onaruto Bridge begins; will use space once intended for Shikoku Shinkansen

NARUTO, Tokushima — Construction has begun on a bicycle path on the 1.6-kilometer (1.0-mile) Onaruto Bridge connecting Shikoku and Awaji Island. The road will offer panoramic views of the Naruto Strait, famous for its whirlpools, and is expected to be completed in fiscal 2027.

An empty space had been created on the Onaruto Bridge in preparation for the development of the Shikoku Shinkansen, which would connect Honshu and Kyushu with Shikoku. However, the Shinkansen idea faced profitability issues and never came to fruition, so the idea of ​​building a bicycle path instead was floated around 2017.

Like the Shimanami Kaido Cycle Route that connects Hiroshima and Ehime prefectures, the route is expected to boost regional development through bicycle tourism, which has increased significantly in recent years.

The new road will have a maximum width of four meters, including both the road itself and a sidewalk. Both sides of the road will be covered with a chain-link fence to provide better visibility. The Hyogo Prefectural Government will contribute ¥3 billion and the Tokushima Prefectural Government ¥2.8 billion to cover the construction costs.

The foundation stone laying ceremony for the cycleway was held on July 22 in Naruto, Tokushima Prefecture, and was attended by the governors of Hyogo and Tokushima Prefectures. Although the Shikoku Shinkansen is not expected at this time, Tokushima Prefecture will remove the cycleway if plans change.