Measures for congestion on Expressway

We analyze the causes of traffic congestion and implement measures to alleviate and alleviate traffic congestion.

Changes in traffic congestion

Congestion loss time on Expressway ^{* 1} Has been on a downward trend since peaking in 1997, and has decreased to about 50% of its peak in 2008.

After that, there was an increase due to special holiday discounts from 2009 onwards (50% off in rural areas, maximum 1,000 yen, etc.), but since 2014, there has been a continuing downward trend due to the effectiveness of various congestion countermeasures. However, since 2017, traffic volume in our jurisdiction has increased due to the development of networks in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and the time lost due to congestion has increased again.

In 2020, the number of visitors decreased significantly due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is gradually increasing as the pandemic subsides.

Image of transition of traffic congestion

An index showing the degree of traffic congestion. It is calculated by multiplying the loss time due to traffic congestion and the number of affected vehicles.
1997 was the peak before privatization (NEXCO EAST jurisdiction)
"Others" includes traffic jams due to the effects of broken down vehicles and falling objects, and traffic jams due to accidents in the oncoming lane.
Due to the traffic regulations associated with the Tokyo 2020 Games in 2021, the percentage of "others" is higher than usual.

Causes and Locations of Traffic Congestion

Approximately 70% of traffic congestion that occurs within the jurisdiction in a year is caused by traffic congestion (2023).

Of these, In-bound and sag ^{* 5} account for about 60% of the breakdown of traffic congestion.

* 5 The concave part that goes from the Out-bound to the In-bound is called the sag part. Click here for details on the mechanism of traffic congestion and measures against traffic congestion

Image of traffic congestion factors — Causes of traffic congestion

Image of traffic congestion — Location of traffic congestion

[Congestion point map]

The main traffic congestion points and traffic congestion trends in NEXCO EAST are posted on the "Congestion Point Map". Please help us avoid traffic jams.

Image image of the main traffic congestion section of NEXCO EAST

[Development and dissemination of ETC]

The congestion at the toll booth, which was the worst concentrated traffic congestion, has almost disappeared due to the spread of ETC.

Image of ETC usage rate / congestion loss time

*6 Figures for NEXCO EAST jurisdiction even before privatization
*7 ETC2.0 usage rate is included in ETC usage rate.

Traffic congestion mitigation measures

In order to secure safe and smooth road traffic for our customers, we will implement both hardware and software measures to reduce traffic congestion.

[Installation of additional lanes] [Extension of acceleration / deceleration lanes]

We are installing additional lanes and extending acceleration / deceleration lanes at major traffic congestion areas.

E17 Kan-Etsu Expressway (Out-bound) Hanazono IC exit lane extension status

[E17] We will start the operation of extending the exit lane near the Hanazono interchange on the Kan-Kan-Etsu Expressway Out-bound line.

[Large of traffic capacity with pacemaker light (PML)]

By blinking the light so that it moves in the direction of travel, it is effective in suppressing speed reduction and supporting speed recovery.

PML operation status near the aqua line (In-bound) aqua tunnel

[Providing speed recovery information through traffic congestion point signs, etc.]

Signs are installed at major traffic congestion points to promote conscious speed recovery.

Operation status of traffic jam point signs

Operation status of speed recovery display board

[Change of lane operation]

We are improving the lane operation so that it can respond to changes in traffic conditions.

E17 Kan-etsu Kan-Etsu Expressway (In-bound) Oizumi JCT lane operation change status
E17 Kan-Etsu Expressway (Out-bound) Lane keep green line near Higashimatsuyama IC

By continuing to keep left along the lane keep green line, it is possible to reduce the concentration of vehicles in the overtaking lane and unreasonable lane changes, thereby reducing congestion and accidents.
Also, if you run along the green line from the ramp, you can naturally join the main line in the correct direction, so you can expect the effect of reverse driving countermeasures.

[Providing traffic congestion prediction information]

NEXCO東日本には、地域の特性を熟知した渋滞予測のプロである「渋滞予報士」がいます。
いつ、どこで、どのくらいの渋滞が発生するかを予測し、HPなどで提供しています。
渋滞緩和のため混雑する日にちや時間帯を避けた「分散利用」へのご協力をお願いいたします。

You can see the date and time of peak traffic at a glance! Image of traffic jam forecast guide Obonban

Click here for a traffic forecast guide during the busy season

[Information provision using AI]

We are promoting technological development such as traffic jam prediction using AI, and are working to further improve prediction accuracy and convenience.

Long-term congestion forecast

NEXCO EAST and Grid Co., Ltd. have utilized AI to develop a technology that enables traffic forecasters to predict traffic congestion several months ahead. The traffic jam prediction model using AI learns past factor data that may greatly affect traffic jam occurrence, and predicts whether or not traffic jam will occur at a certain date and time in the future.

NEXCO EAST and Grid Succeeded in developing Japan's first Expressway company's first AI-based traffic congestion prediction technology during traffic congestion!
AI traffic jam prediction

Real-time demographics created by NTT Docomo, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “docomo”) using the mechanism of the mobile phone network are combined with NEXCO EAST 's past traffic jams and technical knowledge about traffic flow, etc. We are conducting a verification test to predict traffic jams during the return time on some routes using "AI traffic jam prediction", which was developed using intelligence (AI) technology. In the experiment, information such as transit time every 30 minutes is distributed on the NEXCO EAST customer website “DraPla”.
Related Press Release

Congestion measures are multiplication with customers who use it. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Image image

In order to reduce traffic congestion, not only our efforts but also the cooperation of customers who use the Expressway are indispensable.
By having as many customers as possible know about traffic congestion and practice "a little effort" to reduce traffic congestion, the effectiveness of our measures against traffic congestion will be multiplied.
NEXCO EAST will continue to promote traffic congestion measures with this logo as a catch phrase so that we can enhance the "multiplication of traffic congestion measures" with such customers.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

4 items of "traffic jam prevention driving" that we want our customers to practice to alleviate traffic jams

Be careful of unconscious slowdowns! ^*8
Even a slight slowdown in speed on In-bound or in a sag can cause traffic jams.
Secure the distance between cars!
It acts as a cushion and prevents the brakes from being transmitted to the following vehicle.
Refrain from changing lanes unnecessarily!
Unnecessarily changing lanes can cause the following vehicle to brake and cause or worsen traffic congestion.
Rapid speed recovery! (During traffic)
Road information boards and traffic jam point signs inform you of the top position of traffic jams.
Please recover the speed promptly after passing the traffic jam.

*8 This does not deny the use of brakes to avoid danger or ensure safety.