Preventive Road Closures Announced Due To Heavy Snow Across Kanto Region
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism has announced preventive road closures across major highways and routes owing to the expected heavy snowfall starting this evening, March 4, 2025. These closures aim to manage the anticipated heavy traffic disruptions and improve safety conditions for all drivers.
Beginning at 4:00 p.m. today, major highways such as the Tomei Expressway (E1), Shin-Tomei Expressway (E1A), and several segments of the Metropolitan Expressway—including Route No. 3—will close to traffic. National Route 246 and other significant roads are also included due to the heavy snow forecasted, particularly affecting areas including the 23 wards of Tokyo and other lowlands of the Kanto region.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, these preventive measures are necessary due to predictions indicating substantial snowfall both this evening and through the night until March 5. The Kanto-Koshin region and Shizuoka Prefecture are especially urged to prepare for weather conditions primarily affecting mountainous areas, with significant snowfalls expected there.
Preventive closures from the Ministry's announcement will affect the following roads:
- From 3:30 p.m. on March 4, closures will begin on the Central Circular Route and Bayshore Route of the Metropolitan Expressway.
- At 4:00 p.m., preventive closures will be implemented on National Routes 1, 16, 139, 246, as well as on the Metropolitan Expressway Routes No. 3 and Bayshore Route, alongside several Kanagawa routes.
- From 4:00 p.m., various expressways managed by NEXCO East Japan and NEXCO Central Japan will also enforce closures, including:
- E83 Third Keihin Expressway: Tamagawa IC to Hodogaya IC (both directions)
- E83 Yokohama Shindo: Hodogaya IC to Totsuka IC (both directions)
- E16 Yokohama Yokosuka Road: from Konandai JCT to Namiki IC, and from Shin-Hodogaya IC to Ashina IC (both directions)
By 6:00 p.m., closures will extend to the Joshin-Etsu Expressway (E18), Chubu-Odan Expressway (E52), and Tohoku Expressway (E4) at appropriate intervals.
Drivers are advised to check weather forecasts and traffic updates regularly before traveling. Authorities like NEXCO Central Japan are strongly urging residents to refrain from unnecessary travel to avoid congested conditions and prevent any potential accidents.
For those who must drive, the government emphasizes the importance of equipping vehicles with winter tires and carrying snow chains for safety. They recommend being prepared for drastic weather changes and to take additional time for travel to navigate safely through possible road conditions and delays.
The preventive road closures announced include the main sections closed effectively from 4:00 p.m. on March 4:
- Tomei Expressway: Both directions from Tokyo IC to Numazu IC and from Numazu IC to Shimizu IC (uphill)
- Shin-Tomei Expressway: Both directions from Umi-Laoming South JCT to Shin-Qingshan IC and from Shin-Gotemba IC to Shin-Shizuoka IC.
- Various other segments also affected include roads linking to important transit routes and regions with heavy snowfall throughout this severe weather forecast.
Warnings about avalanche risks and snow accumulation are being communicated alongside the preventative measures. Drivers are advised to remain vigilant, watch for potential dangers from falling snow or ice, and to stay updated on road conditions to minimize risks.
This situation is currently fluid, with conditions rapidly changing. Authorities will continue to monitor the weather and conditions along affected roadways to make adjustments as necessary. Citizens are reminded to remain alert and cooperate by following instructions from traffic and road management services.
If you are planning to travel during this period, reviewing updates from road traffic information sources can be invaluable for ensuring convenient and safe travels during the closure phases.