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The Reconstruction of the Hitachi Station Frontage The reconstruction of the square in front of JR Hitachi Station has been proceeding since last January and will be completed in mid April. The New Square will be a place where people can gather and crowded with people. |
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| ◆ Why is the reconstruction taking place? It is part of the redevelopment plan for the Hitachi Station frontage. Hitachi Civic Center and Patio Hitachi were constructed in 1989. This time, the station frontage reconstruction work is aimed to reduce traffic congestion problems, previously caused by buses, taxis and private vehicles accumulating on the same throughway, and to create barrier-free access for physically handicapped people and senior citizens. ◆ Features of the New Square The new layout is an almost complete square shape. There are barrier-free sidewalks and four bus stop areas. There are also two separate lanes for buses and for taxis and private vehicles. And in the center of the square will stand an Illumination Tower (25m tall), the light rings of which are shaped like cherry petals reflecting the town’s symbol of cherry blossom. Moreover, a real steam turbine vane, presented by Hitachi, Ltd. has been installed to act as a symbol of this industrial city. It is one of Hitachi company’s well known products, used for the generating of electricity. The square itself covers an area of about 8,600㎡. Though this does not seem so spacious, when combined with the open area to the left (Kotsu Hiroba), it takes on quite a feeling of spaciousness. These two areas combined cover 12,000㎡ altogether. |
| ◆ Buses and taxis The new bus embarkation points are separated into four areas. The buses drive into each area at the scheduled time and leave directly after allowing passengers to get on and off. They can not park there. As for regular bus routes, buses from “embarkation point 1” go to Kamine Park and Takahagi station, from point 2 they go to the Heiwadai Estate via Taga Station, from point 3 they go to Omika Station via Hitachi General Hospital, from point 4 they go to the Dodaira and Narusawa estates, and point 4 also serves as an embarkation point for the JR and Hitachi Dentetu express bus to Tokyo. To catch a taxi, cross the bus lane in front of the station building and there you will find the taxi stands. ◆ Future Reconstruction Plans Hitachi Station originated as “Sukegawa Station” at the current “Kaiganguchi” (Seaside exit) site, when the JR Joban Line began their train service in 1897. Later, it was renamed “Hitachi Station” after the reorganization of the area as a city in 1939. The present “Chuoguchi” exit was opened in 1952 as part of the construction of Heiwa street. Hitachi City in conjunction with JR has started to make plans for the improvement of the station building itself in the light of the need to create a station barrier-free to all. (Top of Hyotan) (home) |
