Heavy snowfall has wreaked havoc across Niigata Prefecture, prompting significant closures of both highways and national routes as local authorities scramble to manage the effects of winter weather.
On February 7, at 9 PM, NEXCO East Japan announced preventive closures on several major expressways including the Naito Expressway, Hokuriku Expressway, Kanetsu Expressway, and others. At the same time, parallel national routes were also temporarily closed.
By February 8 at 6 AM, many of these closures had begun to be lifted, but areas like the Naito and Hokuriku expressways faced continued restrictions, especially those leading to the lower Kanto region.
The following is the status of highway closures and their anticipated reopening times:
- Naito Expressway: Between Niigata Central Junction (JCT) and Arakawa Tainai Interchange (IC), the section from Niigata Central JCT to Niigata Kameda IC is expected to reopen around 9 AM with the stretch from Niigata Kameda IC to Arakawa Tainai IC expected to open by midday.
- Hokuriku Expressway: The segment between the Sanjo Tsubame IC and the Niigata Central JCT should see its restrictions lifted by 9 AM, though the section from the Japanese city of Asaichi IC to the Niigata Central JCT is expected to remain closed until then.
- Kanetsu Expressway: The stretch between Shibukawa Ikaho IC and Nagaoka JCT has been reopened.
- Joshinetsu Expressway: The section from Nagano IC to Joetsu JCT is also back open.
- Ibanetsu Expressway: Restrictions remain on the section from Nishiaizu IC to Niigata Central IC with expected consideration for reopening around midday.
The overwhelming snowfall has also necessitated closures on local roads and highways, like National Route 7, which was shut from the central district of Niigata City to the junction leading to Murakami City but reopened by 6 AM. Route 8, Route 17, Route 18, Route 49, and others experienced similar disruptions, reflecting how inclement conditions have affected travel along Japan’s northern routes.
According to local news reports, the situation continues to evolve as forecasts suggest weather conditions may improve, potentially allowing for earlier reopenings and easing the burden on travelers.
For any drivers planning to travel through the region, caution is advised as residual effects from the snowfall may linger, necessitating attentive driving and potential delays.
Stay tuned for more updates on travel conditions as the recovery from this latest winter storm continues.