Heavy snowfall is expected to affect the Tokyo metropolitan area starting on the evening of March 4, 2025, prompting significant alerts from transportation authorities. NEXCO Central Japan and NEXCO East Japan, along with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, recently announced the potential for road closures due to the anticipated severe weather.
According to the forecast, areas targeted for preventative closures include National Route 246, from Setagaya Ward's Yoga to Matsuda Town, Kanagawa Prefecture. This addition is significant because it could completely block the passage over the Tama River, which has already been known to cause traffic mayhem during previous snow events.
Indeed, this forthcoming heavy snow mirrors the notorious snowstorm of February 5, 2024, when severe accumulations resulted in the closure of National Route 246 beyond the Yoga intersection. On the evening of March 4, late commuters may once again get caught as they rush to return home, just like last year when traffic from Sangenjaya to Route 246 came to a standstill, with vehicles hardly moving at all.
Traffic congestion is anticipated, and local authorities are warning residents to prepare for difficult travel conditions. The Ministry has advised people to refrain from going out during heavy snow, recommending changes to travel plans, including the option to work from home. The message is clear: safety is the priority, and unnecessary travel should be avoided.
Starting at 3:30 PM on March 4, the Central Circular Route of the Metropolitan Expressway will see preventative closures enacted. Closures on other major routes such as the Tomei Expressway, Shin-Tomei Expressway, and the Ken-o Expressway are all foreseen to begin around 4:00 PM. This preemptive approach is aimed at mitigating extensive traffic jams, which could have dire repercussions during heavy snowfall.
On the warning front, NEXCO has emphasized the necessity for drivers to equip their vehicles with winter tires and carry tire chains, offering sufficient time for preparations to avoid accidents and mishaps due to snow drifting or avalanches.
At this point, Central Expressway, Kanetsu Expressway, and Joban Expressway do not currently anticipate preventative closures, but the situation could rapidly change depending on weather developments. Nevertheless, for the Tokyo to Kanagawa route, and particularly on National Route 246, drivers should be prepared for likely preventative measures from late afternoon onward.
The government stresses using telework when feasible and altering travel schedules to accommodate the expected weather conditions. Local residents and commuters are urged to stay informed through official channels and prepare for potential disruption.
With heavy snowfall looming, the chances of multiple road closures suggest another winter challenge is about to hit the Tokyo area. Many commuters might feel the pressure as they navigate through snowy conditions once again and may find themselves facing similar hurdles as seen last year.
Officials are prioritizing lives and aiming to avoid severe vehicle backlog, underscoring the proactive stance of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the NEXCO entities. Given the unpredictable nature of winter weather, it’s apparent they want everyone to be safe and travel responsibly.