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NEXCO EAST Hokkaido Regional Head Office (Atsubetsu Ward, Sapporo City) NEXCO-East Innovation and Communications Co., Ltd. (Minato-ku, Tokyo), NPO 365 Bunnoichi (Meguro-ku, Tokyo), and non-classic Co., Ltd. (Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture) to jointly develop traffic guidance using light, and from October 6 (Friday), E5 Do-O Expressway ( Trials will begin at Tomakomai Nishi Interchange (IC).
Until now, there have been cases where vehicles pass through toll booths without noticing that the road is closed only in the direction of their destination. In addition to the road closure information displayed on information boards, etc., the new pole-type LED guide light installed in front of the toll plaza will be remotely controlled to guide vehicles to exit by the movement of light, allowing customers to safely turn around and exit.
In this operation, we aim to solve the problems of the specified non-profit organization 365 Bunnoichi, which applied for the accelerator program "DraPla Innovation Lab", which started accepting applications from September Reiwa 3, with the aim of solving the problems of Expressway. It was jointly developed with a collaborator.

1. 1. Overview

1. Start of operation
   October 6, 2020 (Friday) 13:00
2. Operation location
   Hokkaido Expressway Tomakomai West IC
3. Operational purpose
   Previously, when Expressway were closed, we notified customers of the closure through information boards installed near ICs, but there were cases where customers mistakenly entered the IC.
   This operation utilizes the rotary-style turning area in front of the tollgate to provide visual guidance to customers who have entered the interchange without noticing the road closure using newly jointly developed and installed pole-shaped LED guide lights. The purpose is to encourage customers to make U-turns at turning points and to allow customers to exit without entering Expressway.
   

   

   

   

4. Future operations
   In the future, we will verify the operation of pole-type LED guide lights, and collect information on customers' ``feeling with their five senses'' of ``something different'' at the interchange entrance in order to further improve safety. At the same time, we plan to jointly develop a system that will help customers sense that they cannot enter Expressway when the road is closed, and guide them to the next course of action.

What is DraPla Innovation Lab?

We will further promote our open innovation and work with companies that have new technologies and service ideas to verify technology and business models through the laboratory, while working to realize next-generation Expressway services, revitalize local communities, and address social issues. The aim is to create a business that solves the following problems.
Our company has supported the safety, security, comfort, and convenience of our customers by connecting communities. In addition to these, we aim to provide "new value" for the movement of people, goods, and events, and to operate in a sustainable manner. We will continue to strengthen our efforts to create new value.