Major highway closures are set to take effect across central and western Japan as heavy snowfall is expected, prompting officials to implement preventive measures aimed at ensuring road safety. According to the Kansai Regional Development Bureau and Central Nippon Expressway Company, these closures, primarily affecting the Meishin and Shin-Meishin expressways, are scheduled to start on February 7 to mitigate the risk of severe traffic standstills.
At a joint press conference held on February 7, transportation authorities specified the areas impacted by these closures. They indicated the decision is necessary to manage the anticipated snowfall conditions effectively. By 2 p.m. on the same day, multiple segments of the highways and national routes were already subject to early closure due to adverse weather. The closures are set against the backdrop of significant snowfall warnings issued for the region.
Starting from the evening of February 7, the following expressways and routes are expected to be closed:
- Meishin Expressway from Kyoto Higashi IC to Komaki JCT
- Shin-Meishin Expressway (Ise Bay Line) from Kusatsu JCT to Mie Kawagoe IC
- Hokuriku Expressway from Maibara JCT to Tsuruga IC
- Meihan Expressway from Kumiyama IC to Tenri Higashi IC
- National Route 1 from Shiga Prefecture to Mie Prefecture
- National Route 8 from Shiga Prefecture to Fukui Prefecture
The closures are not limited to expressways; several national routes, including Route 21 and Route 365, will also be affected. Authorities have warned of the possibility of earlier implementation of these traffic restrictions, depending on the severity of snowfall.
On the afternoon of February 7, the snow began to impact traffic, leading to the closure of certain segments, including the Wakasahimi IC to Tsuruga JCT on the Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway and the Tsuruga IC to Nagahama IC stretch of the Hokuriku Expressway. By 2 p.m., drivers were encouraged to evaluate their travel plans cautiously. "To protect lives, please refrain from unnecessary outings. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused and ask for your cooperation," the authorities urged the public.
Weather forecasts from the Osaka Regional Meteorological Observatory indicate the situation will worsen. Snow clouds are expected to develop, leading to heavy snowfall warnings for the plains of central and southern Kinki, creating potential hazards for drivers across the region.
The predictions outline expected snowfall amounts spanning multiple prefectures, with Kanagawa, Gifu, Mie, and Shizuoka advised to prepare for significant accumulation by February 8. "We are trying to prevent large-scale standstills and other accidents caused by heavy snowfall," stated officials from the local highway management team.
The planned closures aim to facilitate quicker response times for emergency services should severe weather conditions deteriorate. Noteworthy preventive measures have also been announced for high traffic areas wherein traffic congestion could lead to complications due to severe weather, emphasizing the importance of minimizing travel disruptions during snow events.
According to the latest projections, road closures are expected to begin at different times across various segments starting from the evening of February 7, continuing through early February 8, as heavy snow is forecast across much of the affected regions. The Kansai Regional Development Bureau continues to monitor conditions closely and will adapt the closure schedule based on real-time weather developments.
With the potential for adverse weather conditions prevailing for the next several days, residents and travelers are urged to stay tuned for updates from local authorities and news outlets for the latest information on road conditions, safety measures, and traffic management efforts.
The airports and ports are also on alert for possible disruptions should heavy snowfall impact transportation links across central and western Japan. Communities are advised to prepare emergency supplies and plan accordingly for the upcoming weather patterns, as forecasts show no immediate relief from the sustained snowfall.